# Environment (GEN) ## Title 6. Toxic, Carcinogenic, and Flammable Substances ### Subtitle 3. Lead-Based Paint #### Section 6-301 A person may not use lead-based paint: (1) On any interior surface; (2) On any exterior surface to which children commonly may be exposed; (3) On any porch of any dwelling; or (4) Except for a lead-based industrial paint that is applied to a household appliance, on any article that is intended for household use. #### Section 6-302 (a) A person who violates any provision of Sec. 6-301 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both. (b) (1) A person who violates Sec. 6-303 of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under Sec. 6-303 of this subtitle is subject to an administrative penalty of up to $250 per violation, not exceeding $10,000. (2) The administrative penalty under this subsection shall be assessed with consideration given to: (i) The willfulness of the violation and the extent to which the violation was known to the violator but uncorrected by the violator; (ii) The extent to which the violation resulted in actual harm to human health; (iii) The nature and degree of injury to or interference with general welfare and health; and (iv) The extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation committed by the violator. (c) Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense under this section. #### Section 6-303 (a) (1) A medical laboratory, office, or other facility that draws blood from any child 18 years and under for analysis of blood lead levels shall obtain all information required by the Department, including the address, date of birth, sex, and race of the child. (2) The medical laboratory, office, or facility drawing blood for analysis under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall forward the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection with the blood to the medical laboratory that performs blood lead level testing. (3) A medical laboratory that performs blood lead level testing shall report to the Department the results of blood lead level tests and the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection in accordance with the time frames established by the Department. (4) (i) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (3) of this subsection, for a child who resides in Baltimore City, a medical laboratory shall report the results of tests and the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department. (ii) The Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department may report the information received under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph to the Baltimore Immunization Registry Program. (5) (i) If a medical laboratory that performs blood lead level testing receives a blood sample without the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the medical laboratory shall make a written request to the medical laboratory, office, or facility in which the blood was initially drawn for the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (ii) If the medical laboratory, office, or facility does not provide the information requested under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the medical laboratory that performs blood lead level testing shall inform the Department of the failure of the medical laboratory, office, or facility to provide the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (iii) A medical laboratory that performs blood lead level testing shall provide medical laboratories, offices, or facilities that draw blood with referral forms that request the information required by the Department, including the address, date of birth, sex, and race of the child. (b) The Department may report the results of blood tests for lead poisoning to an immunization registry subsequently developed by the Maryland Department of Health. (c) The Department shall report the results of blood tests for lead poisoning indicating an elevated blood lead level, as defined by regulation, to: (1) The local health department in the jurisdiction where the child resides; and (2) The Maryland Department of Health. (d) The Department shall adopt regulations to: (1) Govern the reporting requirements of laboratories to the Department under subsection (a) of this section; and (2) Provide for the reporting of information by the Department to local health departments and the Maryland Department of Health. #### Section 6-304 (a) This section establishes case management assistance and notification requirements for cases of children with elevated blood lead levels greater than or equal to: (1) Between July 1, 2022, and October 27, 2022, inclusive, 5 micrograms per deciliter (?g/dl); (2) Between October 28, 2022, and December 31, 2023, inclusive, 3.5 ?g/dl; and (3) On and after January 1, 2024, the reference level, defined in Sec. 6-801(q) of this title. (b) The Secretary shall assist local governments, if necessary, to provide case management of children with elevated blood lead levels. (c) Within 10 business days after receipt of the results of a blood test for lead poisoning indicating that a child under the age of 6 years has an elevated blood lead level, the Department or a local health department shall notify: (1) The child's parent or legal guardian; and (2) If the child does not reside at a property owned by the child's parent or legal guardian, the owner of the property where the child resides. #### Section 6-305 (a) On or before July 1, 2020, the Department shall adopt regulations for conducting environmental investigations to determine lead hazards for: (1) Children under the age of 6 years with elevated blood lead levels greater than or equal to the reference level defined in Sec. 6-801(q) of this title; and (2) Pregnant women with elevated blood lead levels greater than or equal to the reference level as defined in Sec. 6-801(q) of this title. (b) (1) The regulations adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall be consistent with, or more stringent than, the Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2) The regulations adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall provide for an environmental investigation to be completed after receipt by the Department or the county board of health of the results of a blood test under Sec. 6-304 of this subtitle for: (i) Children under the age of 6 years with elevated blood lead levels greater than or equal to the reference level defined in Sec. 6-801(q) of this title; or (ii) Pregnant women with elevated blood lead levels greater than or equal to the reference level defined in Sec. 6-801(q) of this title. (c) The Department shall include in its annual report on statewide childhood blood lead testing a summary of the results of any environmental investigation conducted in accordance with this section. ### Subtitle 4. Asbestos Removal #### Section 6-401 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Asbestos material" means any material or product which contains more than 1 percent asbestos. (c) (1) "Asbestos occupation" means any job as an inspector, project designer, management planner, asbestos abatement contractor, asbestos supervisor, or asbestos abatement worker involving: (i) A project in a public and commercial building or in a school building that involves the location, identification, physical and hazard assessment, enclosure, removal, repair, renovation, or demolition of asbestos material in a public and commercial building or in a school building; (ii) The inspection, planning, or design of any project in a school building as enumerated in item (i) of this paragraph; or (iii) The inspection or design of any project in a public and commercial building as enumerated in item (i) of this paragraph. (2) "Asbestos occupation" does not include work on any small-scale, short-duration operations, maintenance, and repair activities as defined in 40 C.F.R. 763, Appendix C to Subpart E, Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan. (d) "Business entity" means a partnership, firm, association, corporation, sole proprietorship, or other business concern. (e) "Interior space" includes: (1) Exterior hallways connecting buildings; (2) Porticoes; and (3) Mechanical systems used to condition interior space. (f) "License" means a license issued by the Department under this subtitle to remove and encapsulate asbestos. (g) (1) "Public and commercial building" means the interior space of any building that is not a school building. (2) "Public and commercial building" includes: (i) Industrial and office buildings; (ii) Residential apartment buildings of 10 or more dwelling units; (iii) Condominiums of 10 or more dwelling units; (iv) Government-owned buildings; (v) Colleges; (vi) Museums; (vii) Airports; (viii) Hospitals; (ix) Churches; (x) Stores; (xi) Warehouses; and (xii) Factories. (3) "Public and commercial building" does not include any residential apartment building of fewer than 10 dwelling units, any condominium of fewer than 10 dwelling units, or any detached single-family home. (h) "Public unit" includes: (1) Any agency, bureau, department, or instrumentality of State government that is not subject to Executive Order 01.01.1987.22; (2) Any agency, bureau, department, or instrumentality of federal or local government; (3) Educational institutions that are not subject to Executive Order 01.01.1987.22; and (4) Any public, quasi-public, or municipal corporation. (i) "School" means any elementary or secondary school as defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, at 20 U.S.C. Sec. 7801. #### Section 6-402 The General Assembly finds: (1) That exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogenic agent, creates a significant hazard to the health of the people of this State; (2) That projects to remove asbestos expose increasing numbers of asbestos removers to this hazard; (3) That it is in the public interest to protect asbestos removers from this hazard by requiring adherence to strict safety standards on asbestos removal projects; and (4) That stricter penalties and independent testing are needed to safeguard the health of asbestos removers in the State. #### Section 6-405 In an emergency that results from a sudden, unexpected event that is not a planned renovation or demolition, the Department may waive the requirement for a license. #### Section 6-406 The Department: (1) Shall adopt the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and (2) At least once a year, during an actual removal or encapsulation project, shall conduct an on-site inspection of each licensee's procedures for removing and encapsulating asbestos. #### Section 6-409 Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a business entity or public unit shall be licensed by the Department before the business entity or public unit removes or encapsulates any asbestos in this State. #### Section 6-410 (a) To qualify for a license, a business entity or public unit shall meet the requirements of this section. (b) Each employee or agent of the business entity or public unit who will come in contact with asbestos or who will be responsible for removal or encapsulation of asbestos shall: (1) Be familiar with federal standards for asbestos removal and encapsulation; and (2) Have completed a course of instruction on asbestos removal and encapsulation approved by the Department. (c) The business entity or public unit shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the business entity or public unit: (1) Is capable of complying with all applicable standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Commissioner of Labor and Industry acting under the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act; and (2) Has access to at least 1 approved asbestos disposal site for deposit of all asbestos waste that the business entity or public unit will generate during the term of the license. (d) The business entity or public unit shall meet any other standards that the Department sets. #### Section 6-411 (a) To apply for a license, a business entity or public unit shall: (1) Submit an application to the Department on the form that the Department requires; and (2) Pay to the Department the application fee set by the Department. (b) The application form shall include: (1) The name and address of the business entity or public unit; (2) A description of the protective clothing and respirators that the business entity or public unit will use; (3) The name and address of each asbestos disposal site that the business entity or public unit will use; (4) A description of the site decontamination procedures that the business entity or public unit will use; (5) A description of the removal and encapsulation methods that the business entity or public unit will use; (6) A description of the procedures that the business entity or public unit will use for handling waste containing asbestos; (7) A description of the air monitoring procedures that the business entity or public unit will use; (8) A description of the final clean-up procedures that the business entity or public unit will use; (9) The signature of the chief executive officer of the business entity or the chief executive officer's designee, or the signature of a representative of the public unit; and (10) Any other information that the Department requires. #### Section 6-412 A license authorizes the licensee to remove or encapsulate asbestos while the license is effective. #### Section 6-413 (a) A license expires on the first anniversary of its effective date, unless the license is renewed for a 1-year term as provided in this section. (b) At least 1 month before the license expires, the Department shall send to the licensee, by first-class mail to the last known address of the licensee, a renewal notice that states: (1) The date on which the current license expires; (2) The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Department for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires; and (3) The amount of the renewal fee. (c) Before the license expires, the licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 1-year term, if the business entity or public unit: (1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed; (2) Pays to the Department the renewal fee that the Department sets; and (3) Submits to the Department a renewal application on the form that the Department requires. #### Section 6-414 (a) Each licensee shall: (1) Keep a record of each asbestos removal or encapsulation project that it performs; and (2) Make that record available to the Department at any reasonable time. (b) The records required by this section shall be kept for at least 6 years. (c) The records required by this section shall include: (1) The name and address of the individual who supervised the asbestos removal; (2) The location of and a description of the project and the amount of asbestos material that was removed; (3) The starting and completion dates of each instance of removal; (4) A summary of the procedures that were used to comply with all applicable standards; (5) The name and address of each asbestos disposal site where the waste containing asbestos was deposited; and (6) Any other information that the Department requires. #### Section 6-414.1 (a) Except in emergency situations, before any business entity or public unit licensed under this subtitle removes or encapsulates any asbestos, the business entity or public unit shall notify the Department of: (1) The location of the removal or encapsulation work; and (2) The approximate amount of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials to be removed or encapsulated. (b) Except in emergency situations and except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, at least 3 days before a business entity or public unit removes or encapsulates asbestos at a work site or asbestos project that is a National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) project, the business entity or public unit shall: (1) Post the number of signs that the Department requires to inform the public in the immediate vicinity that asbestos abatement is being performed; and (2) Keep the sign posted until the Department receives written notice that the results of air monitoring in the area meet the requirements established in the regulations adopted under this section. (c) For any asbestos project conducted at an electric generating station or at any other utility-controlled facility which is not routinely accessible by the public, a utility company shall be exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section but shall be required to comply with any federal requirements regarding the posting of signs. (d) The Department shall adopt regulations concerning the size, type, placement, and numbers of signs that a business entity or public unit shall post at a work site or asbestos project that is a NESHAP project. #### Section 6-415 Subject to the hearing provisions of this subtitle, the Department may reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke any license, if the licensee: (1) Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license; (2) Fails at any time to meet: (i) The qualifications for a license; or (ii) Any rule or regulation that the Department adopts under this subtitle; or (3) Fails to meet any applicable federal or State standard for removal or encapsulation of asbestos. #### Section 6-416 (a) Except as otherwise provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, before the Department takes any action under Sec. 6-415 of this subtitle, it shall give the licensee against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing. (b) The Department shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. #### Section 6-417 (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Business entity" includes any person designated to manage or supervise the removal or encapsulation of asbestos. (3) "Independent testing organization" means an entity that: (i) Is not in any way affiliated with a business entity that employs an individual to remove or encapsulate asbestos in the State; and (ii) Does not provide a training program. (b) (1) Unless the individual is accredited by the Department, an individual may not engage in an asbestos occupation. (2) The Department shall accredit an individual only upon verifying that the individual: (i) Is at least 18 years old; (ii) Has either: (1) Successfully completed a training program and any required refresher program approved by the Department or the United States Environmental Protection Agency; or (2) Acquired and maintained current accreditation from an EPA-approved state accreditation plan of another state; and (iii) Has passed an applicable asbestos occupation examination provided and administered by the Department or by an independent testing organization acting on behalf of the Department. (3) The Department may accept as proof of accreditation a certificate showing successful completion of any approved training program and examination, and any required refresher program. (4) (i) A business entity may provide a training program. (ii) A business entity that provides a training program may not administer an asbestos occupation examination. (c) (1) The Department shall adopt regulations establishing standards and procedures that are consistent with federal law for the accreditation of asbestos occupations. (2) The regulations shall include standards for: (i) Training course approval and review; (ii) Examinations for accreditation of applicants; (iii) Annual refresher courses and renewal of accreditation; (iv) Denial, suspension, and revocation of accreditation; and (v) Procedures for implementing this accreditation plan. (d) The Department shall set reasonable fees sufficient to cover the Department's direct and indirect costs in administering the examination, approving training programs, including the cost of applications, issuance and renewal of training course approvals and reviews, on-site audits, record keeping, and other related activities. #### Section 6-419 Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a business entity or public unit may not remove or encapsulate asbestos in this State without a license. #### Section 6-420 (a) The Department shall issue a written complaint if the Department has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to whom the complaint is directed has violated: (1) This subtitle; (2) Any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle; or (3) Any order, permit, or certificate issued by the Department under this subtitle. (b) A complaint issued under this section shall: (1) Specify the provision that allegedly has been violated; and (2) State the alleged facts that constitute the violation. (c) After or concurrently with service of a complaint under this subtitle, the Department may: (1) Issue an order that requires the person to whom it is directed to take corrective action within a time set in the order; (2) Send a written notice that requires the person to whom it is directed to file a written report about the alleged violation; or (3) Send a written notice that requires the person to whom the notice is directed: (i) To appear at a hearing held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the allegations of a complaint; or (ii) To file a written report and also appear at a hearing held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the charges in the complaint. (d) Any order issued under this section is effective immediately, according to its terms, when it is served. #### Section 6-421 (a) Any complaint, corrective order, notice, or other instrument issued by the Department under this subtitle may be served on the person to whom it is directed in accordance with Sec. 1-204 of this article. (b) If service is made by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, the person who mails the document shall file with the Department verified proof of mailing. (c) Any notice that requires filing of a report, attendance at a hearing, or both, shall be served at least 10 days before the earlier of: (1) The time set for the hearing, if any; or (2) The time set for the filing of the report, if any. #### Section 6-422 (a) (1) A person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding $25,000 to be collected in a civil action. (2) Each day a violation continues is a separate violation under this subsection. (3) If the Attorney General concurs, the Secretary may compromise and settle any claim for a civil penalty under this subtitle. (b) A person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this subtitle or any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject: (1) For a first offense, to a fine not exceeding $20,000; or (2) For a second or subsequent offense, to a fine not exceeding $25,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both. (c) Any penalties and fines collected under this subtitle shall be paid into the Asbestos Worker Protection Fund, established under Sec. 6-425 of this subtitle, and used only for asbestos worker protection and enforcement activities under this subtitle. #### Section 6-425 (a) In this section, "Fund" means the Asbestos Worker Protection Fund. (b) There is an Asbestos Worker Protection Fund. (c) The Department shall administer the Fund. (d) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to Sec. 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. (e) The Fund consists of: (1) All penalties and fines collected under Sec. 6-422 of this subtitle; (2) Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; (3) Investment earnings of the Fund; and (4) Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. (f) In accordance with the State budget, the Fund shall be used only for asbestos worker protection and enforcement activities under this subtitle. (g) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money in the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. (2) Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund. (h) Money expended from the Fund for enforcement activities is supplemental to, and is not intended to take the place of, funding that otherwise would be appropriated for asbestos worker protection and enforcement activities. ### Subtitle 5. Lead and Mercury Wheel Weights #### Section 6-501 (a) (1) A motor vehicle or tire manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer, motor vehicle repair facility, or any other person who installs wheel weights may not use, allow to be used, or sell an externally attached lead wheel weight that is composed of greater than 0.1% lead by weight or greater than 0.1% mercury by weight during the first tire installation, replacement, or balancing after January 1, 2020, for all new and used vehicles registered in the State. (2) The State shall ensure that no vehicle purchased for the State fleet after January 1, 2019, is equipped with an externally attached lead wheel weight that is composed of greater than 0.1% lead by weight or greater than 0.1% mercury by weight. (3) Each tire on a vehicle in the State fleet that is balanced or replaced after January 1, 2018, may not be equipped with a lead wheel weight that is composed of greater than 0.1% lead by weight or greater than 0.1% mercury by weight. (b) Lead and mercury wheel weights removed and collected shall be properly recycled. (c) (1) The Department shall send a warning notice to a person that violates this section. (2) If the person continues to fail to comply with this section 1 year after receipt of the warning notice, the person is subject to a civil fine not exceeding $1,000 for each subsequent offense after the warning period. ### Subtitle 7. Occupational Diseases #### Section 6-701 (a) The Secretary shall: (1) Accept from physicians reports on occupational diseases; and (2) Study occupational diseases and means to prevent and control the diseases. (b) (1) After notice and a public hearing before the Secretary, the Secretary may adopt rules and regulations necessary to prevent and control occupational diseases. (2) The Secretary shall enforce the rules and regulations adopted under this section. (c) The Secretary shall: (1) Investigate each industrial condition that is suspected of causing an occupational disease; and (2) Recommend means to control the condition. (d) In Baltimore City, the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health also has the duties imposed and the powers conferred on the Secretary by this section. However, this section does not limit the authority of the Secretary in Baltimore City or any charter power of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City. (e) A person who, after written notice of a rule or regulation adopted under this section, continues to violate the rule or regulation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for each day that the violation continues. #### Section 6-702 (a) A physician who believes that a patient under the physician's care has an occupational disease shall submit a report to the Secretary and the Secretary of Health. (b) The report shall: (1) State the name, address, occupation, and place of employment of the patient; (2) Identify the suspected disease; and (3) Contain any other information that the Secretary requires. (c) The Secretary shall give the information received under this section to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. ### Subtitle 8. Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing #### Section 6-801 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) (1) "Affected property" means: (i) A property constructed before 1950 that contains at least one rental dwelling unit; (ii) On and after January 1, 2015, a property constructed before 1978 that contains at least one rental unit; or (iii) Any residential rental property for which the owner makes an election under Sec. 6-803(a)(2) of this subtitle. (2) "Affected property" includes an individual rental dwelling unit within a multifamily rental dwelling. (3) "Affected property" does not include property exempted under Sec. 6-803(b) of this subtitle. (c) "Change in occupancy" means a change of tenant in an affected property in which the property is vacated and possession is either surrendered to the owner or abandoned. (d) "Child" means an individual under the age of 6 years. (e) "Commission" means the Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission. (f) (1) "Elevated blood lead" or "EBL" means a quantity of lead in blood, expressed in micrograms per deciliter (?g/dl), greater than or equal to the reference level specified in this subtitle and is determined in accordance with the following protocols: (i) A venous blood test; or (ii) Two capillary blood tests taken in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection. (2) If the capillary blood test method is used, an individual shall: (i) Have a first sample of capillary blood drawn and tested; and (ii) Have a second sample of capillary blood drawn and tested within 84 days after the first sample is drawn. (3) If the result of one capillary blood test would require action under this subtitle and the other result would not, an individual's elevated blood lead level shall be confirmed by a venous blood test. (g) "Exterior surfaces" means: (1) All fences and porches that are part of an affected property; (2) All outside surfaces of an affected property that are accessible to a child and that are: (i) Attached to the outside of an affected property; or (ii) Other buildings and structures, including play equipment, benches, and laundry line poles, that are part of the affected property, except buildings or structures that are not owned or controlled by the owner of the affected property; and (3) All painted surfaces in stairways, hallways, entrance areas, recreation areas, laundry areas, and garages within a multifamily rental dwelling unit that are common to individual dwelling units and are accessible to a child. (h) "Fund" means the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund. (i) (1) "High efficiency particle air vacuum" or "HEPA-vacuum" means a device capable of filtering out particles of 0.3 microns or greater from a body of air at an efficiency of 99.97% or greater. (2) "HEPA-vacuum" includes use of a HEPA-vacuum. (j) "Lead-based paint" means paint or other surface coatings that contain lead in excess of the maximum lead content level allowed by the Department by regulation. (k) "Lead-contaminated dust" means dust in affected properties that contains an area or mass concentration of lead in excess of the lead content level determined by the Department by regulation. (l) "Lead-free" means at or below a lead content level deemed to be lead-free in accordance with criteria established by the Department by regulation. (m) "Lead-safe housing" means a rental dwelling unit that: (1) Is certified to be lead-free in accordance with Sec. 6-804 of this subtitle; (2) Was constructed after 1978; (3) Is deemed to be lead-safe by the Department in accordance with criteria established by the Department by regulation; or (4) Is certified to be in compliance with Sec. 6-815(a) of this subtitle and: (i) In which all windows are either lead-free or have been treated so that all friction surfaces are lead-free; (ii) In which lead-contaminated dust levels are determined to be within abatement clearance levels established by the Department by regulation, within a time frame established by the Department by regulation; and (iii) Which is subject to ongoing maintenance and testing as specified by the Department by regulation. (n) "Multifamily rental dwelling" means a property which contains more than one rental dwelling unit. (o) (1) "Owner" means a person, firm, corporation, guardian, conservator, receiver, trustee, executor, or legal representative who, alone or jointly or severally with others, owns, holds, or controls the whole or any part of the freehold or leasehold interest to any property, with or without actual possession. (2) "Owner" includes: (i) Any vendee in possession of the property; and (ii) Any authorized agent of the owner, including a property manager or leasing agent. (3) "Owner" does not include: (i) A trustee or a beneficiary under a deed of trust or a mortgagee; or (ii) The owner of a reversionary interest under a ground rent lease. (p) "Person at risk" means a child or a pregnant woman who resides or regularly spends at least 24 hours per week in an affected property. (q) "Reference level" means: (1) (i) Between July 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023, inclusive, a blood lead level of 5 ?g/dl; and (ii) On and after January 1, 2024, a blood lead level of 3.5 ?g/dl; or (2) If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revise the blood lead reference value after December 31, 2023, the revised blood lead reference value, beginning 1 year after the date that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised the blood lead reference value. (r) "Related party" means any: (1) Person related to an owner by blood or marriage; (2) Employee of the owner; or (3) Entity in which an owner, or any person referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, has an interest. (s) "Relocation expenses" means all expenses necessitated by the relocation of a tenant's household to lead-safe housing, including moving and hauling expenses, the HEPA-vacuuming of all upholstered furniture, payment of a security deposit for the lead-safe housing, and installation and connection of utilities and appliances. (t) "Rent subsidy" means the difference between the rent paid by a tenant for housing at the time a qualified offer is made under Part V of this subtitle and the rent due for the lead-safe housing to which the tenant is relocated. (u) (1) "Rental dwelling unit" means a room or group of rooms that form a single habitable rental unit for permanent occupation by one or more individuals that has living facilities with, or access to, permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. (2) "Rental dwelling unit" does not include: (i) An area not used for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation, such as an unfinished basement; (ii) A unit within a hotel, motel, or similar seasonal or transient facility; (iii) An area which is secured and inaccessible to occupants; or (iv) A unit which is not offered for rent. (v) "Risk reduction standard" means a risk reduction standard established under Sec. 6-815 or Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-802 The purpose of this subtitle is to reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning, while maintaining the stock of available affordable rental housing. #### Section 6-803 (a) This subtitle applies to: (1) Affected property; and (2) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, any residential rental property, the owner of which elects to comply with this subtitle. (b) This subtitle does not apply to: (1) Property not expressly covered in subsection (a) of this section; (2) Affected property owned or operated by a unit of federal, State, or local government, or any public, quasi-public, or municipal corporation, if the affected property is subject to lead standards that are equal to, or more stringent than, the risk reduction standard established under Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle; or (3) Affected property which is certified to be lead-free pursuant to Sec. 6-804 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-804 (a) Affected property is exempt from the provisions of Part IV of this subtitle if the owner submits to the Department an inspection report that: (1) Indicates that the affected property has been tested for the presence of lead-based paint in accordance with standards and procedures established by the Department by regulation; (2) States that: (i) All interior and exterior surfaces of the affected property are lead-free; or (ii) (1) All interior surfaces of the affected property are lead-free and all exterior painted surfaces of the affected property that were chipping, peeling, or flaking have been restored with nonlead-based paint; and (2) No exterior painted surfaces of the affected property are chipping, peeling, or flaking; and (3) Is verified by the Department accredited inspector who performed the test. (b) In order to maintain exemption from the provisions of Part IV of this subtitle under subsection (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the owner shall submit to the Department every 2 years a certification, by a Department accredited inspector, stating that no exterior painted surface of the affected property is chipping, peeling, or flaking. (c) Outside surfaces of an affected property, including windows, doors, trim, fences, porches, and other buildings or structures that are part of the affected property, are exempt from the risk reduction standards under Sec.Sec. 6-815 and 6-819 of this subtitle if all exterior surfaces of an affected property are lead-free and the owner submits to the Department an inspection report that: (1) Indicates that the outside surfaces have been tested for the presence of lead-based paint in accordance with standards and procedures established by the Department by regulation; (2) States that all outside surfaces of the affected property are lead-free; and (3) Is verified by the Department accredited inspector who performed the test. #### Section 6-807 (a) There is a Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission in the Department. (b) (1) The Commission consists of 19 members. (2) Of the members: (i) One shall be a member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; (ii) One shall be a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and (iii) 17 shall be appointed by the Governor as follows: (1) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee; (2) The Secretary of Health or the Secretary's designee; (3) The Secretary of Housing and Community Development or the Secretary's designee; (4) The Maryland Insurance Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee; (5) The Director of the Early Childhood Development Division, State Department of Education, or the Director's designee; (6) A representative of local government; (7) A representative of a nonprofit organization that works on lead poisoning prevention issues in the State; (8) A representative of owners of rental property located in Baltimore City built before 1950; (9) A representative of owners of rental property located outside Baltimore City built before 1950; (10) A representative of owners of rental property built after 1949; (11) A representative of a child health or youth advocacy group; (12) A health care provider; (13) A child advocate; (14) A parent of a lead poisoned child; (15) A lead hazard identification professional; (16) A representative of child care providers; and (17) A representative of the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. (3) In appointing members to the Commission, the Governor shall give due consideration to appointing members representing geographically diverse jurisdictions across the State. (c) (1) (i) The term of a member appointed by the Governor is 4 years. (ii) A member appointed by the President and Speaker serves at the pleasure of the appointing officer. (2) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for the members of the Commission on October 1, 1994. (3) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (4) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the remainder of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. #### Section 6-808 (a) The Commission shall meet at least quarterly at the times and places it determines. (b) From among the members, the Governor shall appoint the Chairman of the Commission. (c) (1) A majority of the members then serving on the Commission constitutes a quorum. (2) The Commission may act upon a majority vote of the quorum. (d) A member of the Commission: (1) May not receive compensation; but (2) Is entitled to reimbursement from the Fund for reasonable travel expenses related to attending meetings and other Commission events in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations. #### Section 6-810 (a) The Commission shall study and collect information on the: (1) Effectiveness of this subtitle in: (i) Protecting children from lead poisoning; and (ii) Lessening risks to responsible owners; (2) Effectiveness of the treatments specified in Sec.Sec. 6-815 and 6-819 of this subtitle, including recommendations for changes to those treatments; (3) Ability of State and local officials to respond to lead poisoning cases; (4) Availability of affordable housing; and (5) Need to expand the scope of this subtitle to other property serving persons at risk, including child care centers, family child care homes, and preschool facilities. (b) The Commission may appoint a subcommittee or subcommittees to study the following subjects relating to lead and lead poisoning: (1) Case management; (2) Regulation and compliance; (3) Lead paint abatement service provider education and training; (4) Social services; (5) Educational services; (6) Legal aspects; (7) Blood lead testing; (8) Abatement of lead sources; (9) Financial subsidies and other encouragement and support for the abatement of the causes of lead poisoning; (10) Laboratory services; and (11) Other subjects that the Commission considers necessary. (c) The Commission shall review the implementation and operation of this subtitle and, on or before January 1 of each year, starting in 1996, submit a report to the Governor and, subject to the provisions of Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the results of the review, and the Commission's recommendations concerning this subtitle, other lead poisoning issues, and the need for further action that the Commission determines to be necessary. (d) The Department shall consult with the Commission in developing regulations to implement this subtitle. #### Section 6-811 (a) (1) On or before December 31, 1995, the owner of an affected property shall register the affected property with the Department. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, an owner of affected property for which an election is made under Sec. 6-803(a)(2) of this subtitle shall register at the time of the election. (b) The owner shall register each affected property using forms prepared by the Department, including the following information: (1) The name and address of the owner; (2) The address of the affected property; (3) If applicable, the name and address of each property manager employed by the owner to manage the affected property; (4) The name and address of each insurance company providing property insurance or lead hazard coverage for the affected property, together with the policy numbers of that insurance or coverage; (5) The name and address of a resident agent, other agent of the owner, or contact person in the State with respect to the affected property; (6) Whether the affected property was built before 1950 or after 1949; (7) The date of the latest change in occupancy of the affected property; (8) The dates and nature of treatments performed to attain or maintain a risk reduction standard under Sec. 6-815 or Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle; and (9) The latest date, if any, on which the affected property has been certified to be in compliance with the provisions of Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle. (c) (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the information provided by an owner under subsection (b) of this section shall be open to the public. (2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department may not disclose an inventory or list of properties owned by an owner. (ii) The Department shall, upon request, disclose whether the owner has met the percentage of inventory requirements under Sec. 6-817 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-812 (a) An owner who has registered an affected property under Sec. 6-811 of this subtitle shall: (1) Renew the registration of the affected property on or before December 31 of each year or according to a schedule established by the Department by regulation; and (2) Update the information contained in the owner's registration required by Sec. 6-811(b)(1) through (5) of this subtitle within 30 days after any change in the information required in the registration. (b) An owner who first acquires affected property after December 1, 1995 shall register the affected property under Sec. 6-811 of this subtitle within 30 days after the acquisition. #### Section 6-813 (a) An owner who fails to register an affected property under Sec. 6-811 of this subtitle, or who fails to renew the registration of an affected property under Sec. 6-812 of this subtitle, is not in compliance with respect to that affected property with the provisions of this subtitle for purposes of Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle. (b) A person who willfully and knowingly falsifies information filed in a registration or renewal under this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000. #### Section 6-815 (a) No later than the first change in occupancy in an affected property that occurs on or after February 24, 1996, before the next tenant occupies the property, an owner of an affected property shall initially satisfy the risk reduction standard established under this subtitle by passing the test for lead-contaminated dust under Sec. 6-816 of this subtitle provided that any chipping, peeling, or flaking paint has been removed or repainted on: (1) The exterior painted surfaces of the residential building in which the rental dwelling unit is located; and (2) The interior painted surfaces of the rental dwelling unit. (b) At each change in occupancy thereafter, before the next tenant occupies the property, the owner of an affected property shall satisfy the risk reduction standard established under this subtitle by passing the test for lead-contaminated dust under Sec. 6-816 of this subtitle in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. (c) At each change in occupancy, an owner of an affected property shall have the property inspected to verify that the risk reduction standard specified in this section has been satisfied. (d) (1) Exterior work required to satisfy the risk reduction standard may be delayed, pursuant to a waiver approved by the appropriate person under paragraph (2) of this subsection, during any time period in which exterior work is not required to be performed under an applicable local housing code or, if no such time period is specified, during the period from November 1 through April 1, inclusive. (2) A waiver under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be approved by the code official for enforcement of the housing code or minimum livability code of the local jurisdiction, or, if there is no such official, the Department of Housing and Community Development. (3) Notwithstanding the terms of the waiver, all work delayed in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be completed within 30 days after the end of the applicable time period. (4) Any delay allowed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not affect the obligation of the owner to complete all other components of the risk reduction standard and to have those components inspected and verified. (5) If the owner has complied with the requirements of paragraph (4) of this subsection, the owner may rent the affected property during any period of delay allowed under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (e) On request of a local jurisdiction, the Secretary may designate the code official for enforcement of the housing code or minimum livability code for the local jurisdiction, or an appropriate employee of the local jurisdiction, to conduct inspections under this subtitle. #### Section 6-816 The Department shall establish procedures and standards for the lead-contaminated dust testing by regulation. #### Section 6-817 (a) (1) Except for properties constructed between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1977, both inclusive, on and after February 24, 2001, an owner of affected properties shall ensure that at least 50% of the owner's affected properties have satisfied the risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-815(a) of this subtitle, without regard to the number of affected properties in which there has been a change in occupancy. (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other remedy that may be available, an owner who fails to meet the requirements of subsections (a)(1) and (c) of this section shall lose the liability protection under Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle for any alleged injury or loss caused by the ingestion of lead by a person at risk that is first documented by a test for EBL of 20 ?g/dl or more performed between February 24, 2001 and February 23, 2006, inclusive, or 15 ?g/dl or more performed on or after February 24, 2006, in any of the owner's units that have not satisfied the risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-815(a) of this subtitle and the inspection requirement of subsection (c) of this section. (ii) On or after the date that the owner meets the requirements of subsections (a)(1) and (c) of this section, the liability protection under Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle shall be reinstated for any alleged injury or loss caused by the ingestion of lead by a person at risk that is first documented by a test for EBL of 20 ?g/dl or more performed between February 24, 2001 and February 23, 2006, inclusive, or 15 ?g/dl or more performed on or after February 24, 2006. (b) (1) Except for properties constructed between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1977, both inclusive, on and after February 24, 2006, an owner of affected properties shall ensure that 100% of the owner's affected properties in which a person at risk resides, and of whom the owner has been notified in writing, have satisfied the risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-815(a) of this subtitle. (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other remedy that may be available, an owner who fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection and subsection (c) of this section, or of Sec. 6-819(f) of this subtitle shall lose the liability protection under Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle for any alleged injury or loss caused by the ingestion of lead by a person at risk that is first documented by a test for EBL of 15 ?g/dl or more on or after February 24, 2006 in any of the owner's units that have not satisfied the risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-815(a) of this subtitle, the inspection requirement of subsection (c) of this section, or the modified risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-819(a) of this subtitle, as applicable. (ii) The liability protection under Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle shall be reinstated for any alleged injury or loss caused by the ingestion of lead that is first documented by a test for EBL of 15 ?g/dl or more after the date that the owner meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, subsection (c) of this section, and the requirements of Sec. 6-819(f) of this subtitle. (iii) The provisions of this paragraph do not apply if the owner proves that the noncompliance results from: (1) A tenant's lack of cooperation with the owner's compliance efforts; or (2) Legal action affecting access to the unit. (3) Notice given under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be sent by: (i) Certified mail, return receipt requested; or (ii) A verifiable method approved by the Department. (c) On each occasion that an affected property which has not undergone a change in occupancy is treated to satisfy the requirements of this section, the owner of the affected property shall have the property inspected to verify that the risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-815(a) of this subtitle has been satisfied. (d) The owner of an affected property shall be responsible for the cost of any temporary relocation of the tenants of the affected property that is necessary to fulfill the requirements of this section. #### Section 6-818 (a) (1) Any person performing lead-contaminated dust testing or conducting inspections required by this subtitle: (i) Shall be accredited by the Department; (ii) May not be a related party to the owner; and (iii) Shall submit a verified report of the result of the lead-contaminated dust testing or visual inspection to the Department, the owner, and the tenant, if any, of the affected property. (2) An owner may not employ or engage a related party to the owner to perform lead-contaminated dust testing or conduct inspections required by this subtitle. (b) A report submitted to the Department under subsection (a) of this section that certifies compliance for an affected property with the risk reduction standard shall be conclusive proof that the owner is in compliance with the risk reduction standard for the affected property during the period for which the certification is effective, unless there is: (1) Proof of actual fraud as to that affected property; (2) Proof that the work performed in the affected property was not performed by or under the supervision of personnel accredited under Sec. 6-1002 of this title; or (3) Proof that the owner failed to respond to a complaint regarding the affected property as required by Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-819 (a) The modified risk reduction standard shall consist of performing the following: (1) Passing the test for lead-contaminated dust under Sec. 6-816 of this subtitle; and (2) Performing the following lead hazard reduction treatments: (i) A visual review of all exterior and interior painted surfaces; (ii) The removal and repainting of chipping, peeling, or flaking paint on exterior and interior painted surfaces; (iii) The repair of any structural defect that is causing the paint to chip, peel, or flake, that the owner of the affected property has knowledge of or, with the exercise of reasonable care, should have knowledge of; (iv) Repainting, replacing, or encapsulating all interior lead-based paint or untested painted windowsills with vinyl, metal, or any other material in a manner and under conditions approved by the Department; (v) Ensuring that caps of vinyl, aluminum, or any other material in a manner and under conditions approved by the Department, are installed in all window wells where lead-based paint or untested paint exists in order to make the window wells smooth and cleanable; (vi) Except for a treated or replacement window that is free of lead-based paint on its friction surfaces, fixing the top sash, subject to federal, State, or local fire code standards, of all windows in place in order to eliminate the friction caused by the movement of the top sash; (vii) Rehanging all doors in order to prevent the rubbing together of a lead-painted surface with another surface; (viii) Ensuring that all kitchen and bathroom floors are overlaid with a smooth, water-resistant covering; and (ix) HEPA-vacuuming and washing with high phosphate detergent or its equivalent, as determined by the Department, any area of the affected property where repairs were made. (b) (1) A tenant of an affected property may notify the owner of the affected property of a defect in the affected property under this section in accordance with this subsection. (2) Notice of a defect under this section shall consist of: (i) If the modified risk reduction standard has not been satisfied for the affected property, the presence of chipping, peeling, or flaking paint on the interior or exterior surfaces of the affected property or of a structural defect causing chipping, peeling, or flaking paint in the affected property; or (ii) If the modified risk reduction standard has been satisfied for the affected property, a defect relating to the modified risk reduction standard. (c) (1) After February 23, 1996, an owner of an affected property shall satisfy the modified risk reduction standard: (i) Within 30 days after receipt of written notice that a person at risk who resides in the property: (1) Has an elevated blood lead level documented by a test for EBL greater than or equal to 15 ?g/dl before February 24, 2006 or greater than or equal to 10 ?g/dl between February 24, 2006 and June 30, 2020; or (2) Has an elevated blood lead level documented by a test for elevated blood lead level greater than or equal to the reference level defined in Sec. 6-801(q) of this title on or after July 1, 2020, and an environmental investigation conducted under Sec. 6-305 of this title has concluded that there is a defect at the affected property; or (ii) Within 30 days after receipt of written notice from the tenant, or from any other source, of: (1) A defect; and (2) The existence of a person at risk in the affected property. (2) (i) An owner who receives multiple notices of an elevated blood lead level under this subsection or multiple notices of defect under subsection (d) of this section may satisfy all such notices by subsequent compliance with the risk reduction measures specified in subsection (a) of this section, as documented by satisfaction of subsection (f) or (g) of this section, if the owner complies with the risk reduction measures specified in subsection (a) of this section after the date of the test documenting the elevated blood lead level or after the date the notices of defect were issued. (ii) Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not affect an owner's obligation to perform the risk reduction measures specified in subsection (a) of this section for a triggering event that occurs after the owner satisfies the provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. (d) After May 23, 1997, an owner of an affected property shall satisfy the modified risk reduction standard within 30 days after receipt of written notice from the tenant, or from any other source, of a defect. (e) An owner of an affected property is in compliance with subsection (c) or (d) of this section if, as applicable: (1) The owner satisfies the modified risk reduction within 30 days after receiving a notice of elevated blood lead level or a notice of defect in accordance with this section; or (2) The owner provides for the temporary relocation of tenants to a lead-free dwelling unit or another dwelling unit that has satisfied the risk reduction standard in accordance with Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle within 30 days after the receipt of a notice of elevated blood lead level or a notice of defect. (f) Except as provided in Sec. 6-817(b) of this subtitle and except for properties constructed between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1977, both inclusive, on and after February 24, 2006, an owner of affected properties shall ensure that 100% of the owner's affected properties in which a person at risk does not reside have satisfied the modified risk reduction standard. (g) An owner of an affected property shall verify satisfaction of the modified risk reduction standard by submitting a report from an accredited inspector to the Department. (h) Notice given under this section shall be written, and shall be sent by: (1) Certified mail, return receipt requested; or (2) A verifiable method approved by the Department. (i) The Department may, by regulation, eliminate any treatment from the modified risk reduction standard if the Department finds that performing the treatment in an occupied property is harmful to public health. (j) (1) Exterior work required to satisfy the modified risk reduction standard may be delayed, pursuant to a waiver approved by the appropriate person under paragraph (2) of this subsection, during any time period in which exterior work is not required to be performed under an applicable local housing code or, if no such time period is specified, during the period from November 1 through April 1, inclusive. (2) A waiver under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be approved by the code official for enforcement of the housing code or minimum livability code of the local jurisdiction, or, if there is no such official, the Department of Housing and Community Development. (3) Notwithstanding the terms of the waiver, all work delayed in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be completed within 30 days after the end of the applicable time period. (4) Any delay allowed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not affect the obligation of the owner to complete all other components of the risk reduction standard and to have those components inspected and verified. (k) The report of the inspector verifying compliance with this subtitle shall create a rebuttable presumption, that may be overcome by clear and convincing evidence, that the owner is in compliance with the modified risk reduction standard for the affected property unless there is: (1) Proof of actual fraud as to that affected property; or (2) Proof that the work performed on the affected property was not performed by or under the supervision of personnel accredited under Sec. 6-1002 of this title. #### Section 6-820 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an owner of an affected property shall give to the tenant of the affected property a notice, prepared by the Department, of the tenant's rights under Sec.Sec. 6-817 and 6-819 of this subtitle, according to the following schedule: (1) At least 25% of the owner's affected properties by May 25, 1996; (2) At least 50% of the owner's affected properties by August 25, 1996; (3) At least 75% of the owner's affected properties by November 25, 1996; and (4) 100% of the owner's affected properties by February 25, 1997. (b) On or after February 24, 1996, an owner of an affected property shall give to the tenant of the affected property a notice, prepared by the Department, of the tenant's rights under Sec.Sec. 6-817 and 6-819 of this subtitle upon the execution of a lease or the inception of a tenancy. (c) An owner of an affected property shall give to the tenant of the affected property a notice, prepared by the Department, of the tenant's rights under Sec.Sec. 6-817 and 6-819 of this subtitle at least every 2 years after last giving the notice to the tenant. (d) The owner shall include, with the notice of the tenant's rights that is provided to a tenant under this section upon the execution of a lease or the inception of a tenancy, a copy of the current verified inspection certificate for the affected property prepared under Sec. 6-818 of this subtitle. (e) (1) Notice given under this section shall be written, and shall be sent by: (i) Certified mail, return receipt requested; or (ii) A verifiable method approved by the Department. (2) When giving notice to a tenant under this section, the owner shall provide documentation of the notice to the Department in a manner acceptable to the Department. (3) A notice required to be given to a tenant under this section shall be sent to a party or parties identified as the lessee in a written lease in effect for an affected property or, if there is no written lease, the party or parties to whom the property was rented. (f) A person who has acquired, or will acquire, an affected property shall give the notice required under this section to the tenant of the affected property: (1) Before transfer of legal title; or (2) Within 15 days following transfer of legal title. #### Section 6-821 (a) (1) Whenever an owner of an affected property intends to make repairs or perform maintenance work that will disturb the paint on interior surfaces of an affected property, the owner shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that all persons who are not persons at risk are not present in the area where work is performed and that all persons at risk are removed from the affected property when the work is performed. (2) A tenant shall allow access to an affected property, at reasonable times, to the owner to perform any work required under this subtitle. (3) If a tenant must vacate an affected property for a period of 24 hours or more in order to allow an owner to perform work that will disturb the paint on interior surfaces, the owner shall pay the reasonable expenses that the tenant incurs directly related to the required relocation. (b) (1) If an owner has made all reasonable efforts to cause the tenant to temporarily vacate an affected property in order to perform work that will disturb the paint on interior surfaces, and the tenant refuses to vacate the affected property, the owner may not be liable for any damages arising from the tenant's refusal to vacate. (2) If an owner has made all reasonable efforts to gain access to an affected property in order to perform any work required under this subtitle, and the tenant refuses to allow access, even after receiving reasonable advance notice of the need for access, the owner may not be liable for any damages arising from the tenant's refusal to allow access. (c) All hazard reduction treatments required to be performed under this subtitle shall be performed by or under the supervision of personnel accredited under Sec. 6-1002 of this title. #### Section 6-822 (a) The provisions of this subtitle do not affect: (1) The duties and obligations of an owner of an affected property to repair or maintain the affected property as required under any applicable State or local law or regulation; or (2) The authority of a State or local agency to enforce applicable housing or livability codes or to order lead abatements in accordance with any applicable State or local law or regulation. (b) (1) Notwithstanding Sec. 6-803 of this subtitle, following an environmental investigation in response to a report of a lead poisoned person at risk, the Department or a local jurisdiction, including the local health department, may order an abatement, as defined in Sec. 6-1001 of this title, in any residential property, child care center, family child care home, or preschool facility. (2) No provision of this Act may be construed to limit the treatments which may be encompassed by an order to abate lead hazards. (c) (1) Whenever there is a conflict between the requirements of an abatement order issued by a State or local agency to an owner of an affected property and the provisions of this subtitle, the more stringent provisions of this subtitle and of the abatement order shall be controlling in determining the owner's obligations regarding the necessary lead hazard reduction treatments that shall be performed in the affected property that is subject to the abatement order. (2) The Department may enforce the terms of an abatement ordered by a local jurisdiction or local health department in a civil or an administrative action. #### Section 6-823 (a) By May 23, 1996, an owner of an affected property shall give to the tenant of each of the owner's affected properties a lead poisoning information packet prepared or designated by the Department. (b) On or after February 24, 1996, upon the execution of a lease or the inception of a tenancy for an affected property, the owner of the affected property shall give to the tenant a lead poisoning information packet prepared or designated by the Department. (c) An owner of an affected property shall give to the tenant of the affected property another copy of the lead poisoning information packet prepared or designated by the Department at least every 2 years after last giving the information packet to the tenant. (d) A packet given to a tenant under this section shall be sent by: (1) Certified mail, return receipt requested; or (2) A verifiable method approved by the Department. (e) The packet required to be given to a tenant under this section shall be sent to a party or parties identified as the lessee in a written lease in effect for an affected property or, if there is no written lease, the party or parties to whom the property was rented. (f) A person who has acquired, or will acquire, an affected property shall give the packet required under this section to the tenant of the affected property: (1) Before transfer of legal title; or (2) Within 15 days following transfer of legal title. #### Section 6-824 An owner shall disclose an obligation to perform either the modified or full risk reduction treatment to an affected property under this subtitle to any prospective purchaser of an affected property at or prior to the time a contract of sale is executed, if: (1) An event has occurred that requires performance of either the modified or full risk reduction treatment to the affected property under this subtitle; and (2) The owner will not perform the required treatment prior to the transfer of ownership. #### Section 6-825 (a) A person who intends to acquire, through an arm's length transaction, inheritance, tax sale, foreclosure, or judicially approved transfer, an occupied affected property that is in violation of Sec. 6-815, Sec. 6-817, or Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle may submit to the Department an application for a compliance plan. (b) (1) The application for a compliance plan shall: (i) Be submitted and received by the Department at least 30 days before transfer of legal title to the occupied affected property; and (ii) Be on a form provided by the Department that includes, for each occupied affected property, the following information: (1) The transferee's name, address, and telephone number; (2) The transferor's name and address; (3) A statement certifying that neither the transferee nor any officer or director of the transferee has a current interest, either individually or jointly, in the occupied affected property; (4) The type and scheduled date of transfer; (5) The address of the occupied affected property including, for a multifamily-occupied affected property, each unit in the property; and (6) Whether a person at risk resides in the occupied affected property. (2) The Department may require any additional information that it considers appropriate. (3) An application fee of $200 for each occupied affected property and each occupied unit in a multifamily affected property, not to exceed $10,000, shall be submitted to the Department with the application. (c) (1) Within 20 days of receipt of the application for a compliance plan, the Department shall: (i) Approve the compliance plan, in whole or in part; (ii) Deny the compliance plan, in whole or in part; or (iii) Request additional information. (2) The Department may deny an application for a compliance plan for an occupied affected property based on the following factors: (i) Failure to submit or timely submit a complete application; (ii) Failure to submit or timely submit information requested by the Department; (iii) The existence of prior violations by the transferee of the provisions of this subtitle or applicable regulations; (iv) Prior extension of the compliance deadline under subsection (d) of this section for an affected property; (v) Potential or actual harm to the environment or to human health or safety; and (vi) Any other factor the Department considers appropriate. (d) (1) This subsection applies to an occupied affected property in which a person at risk does not reside. (2) Subject to subsection (e) of this section, if an application for a compliance plan is approved, the transferee shall file with the Department an inspection report as proof that the risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle has been satisfied, or an inspection report in accordance with Sec. 6-804 of this subtitle, for each occupied affected property that has not satisfied the requirements of Sec. 6-815, Sec. 6-817, or Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle within the following time frames: (i) Within 30 days after transfer of legal title for a transferee acquiring 1 occupied affected property; (ii) Within 90 days after the transfer of legal title for a transferee acquiring 2 to 5 occupied affected properties; (iii) Within 135 days after the transfer of legal title for a transferee acquiring 6 to 10 occupied affected properties; or (iv) Within 180 days after the transfer of legal title for a transferee acquiring more than 10 occupied affected properties. (e) (1) This subsection applies to an occupied affected property in which a person at risk resides. (2) Notwithstanding the status of an application for a compliance plan, the transferee shall file with the Department an inspection report as proof that the risk reduction standard specified in Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle has been satisfied, or an inspection report in accordance with Sec. 6-804 of this subtitle, for each occupied affected property that has not satisfied the requirements of Sec. 6-815, Sec. 6-817, or Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle within 30 days after transfer of legal title. (f) A compliance plan for an occupied affected property under this section is void unless within 15 days following transfer of the occupied affected property subject to the compliance plan, the transferee files with the Department: (1) Documentation satisfactory to the Department of the transfer of legal title; (2) A statement certifying that, prior to or within 15 days of transfer of legal title, the transferee provided the tenants of the occupied properties with the notice of tenant's rights and lead poisoning information packet required by Sec.Sec. 6-820 and 6-823 of this subtitle; and (3) A statement certifying that within 15 days of transfer of legal title, the transferee registered the occupied affected properties with the Department in accordance with Sec.Sec. 6-811 and 6-812 of this subtitle. (g) If the Department determines that any information provided in an application for a compliance plan or required in subsection (f) of this section was erroneous or incomplete, the Department may declare the compliance plan void in whole or in part. (h) This section does not affect an owner's obligation to comply with Sec.Sec. 6-815 and 6-819(c) and (d) of this subtitle that arises after legal title to the affected property is transferred. (i) Subject to subsections (h) and (j) of this section, if the Department approves a compliance plan, an affected property subject to the compliance plan shall be considered in compliance with Sec.Sec. 6-815, 6-817, and 6-819 of this subtitle as of the day of the date of transfer. (j) If the person who acquired an occupied affected property that does not satisfy the requirements of Sec. 6-815, Sec. 6-817, or Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle fails to comply with the terms of an approved compliance plan, the affected property shall be considered to be noncompliant with Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle from the date legal title to the affected property was transferred to the person. (k) The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section. #### Section 6-826 (a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Action" includes a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint. (c) "Co-offer" means a qualified offer which is made by or on behalf of more than one person as provided under this part. (d) "Offeror" means a person including an insurer or other agent who makes a qualified offer under this part. #### Section 6-827 This part applies to all potential bases of liability for alleged injury or loss to a person caused by the ingestion of lead by a person at risk in an affected property. #### Section 6-828 (a) This section applies to an owner of an affected property who has, with respect to the affected property, complied with the applicable requirements of Sec.Sec. 6-811, 6-812, 6-815, 6-817, and 6-819 of this subtitle, and has sent to the tenant the notices required by Sec.Sec. 6-820 and 6-823 of this subtitle. (b) A person may not bring an action against an owner of an affected property for damages arising from alleged injury or loss to a person at risk caused by the ingestion of lead by a person at risk that is first documented by a test for EBL of 25 ?g/dl or more performed between February 24, 1996 and February 23, 2001, inclusive, or 20 ?g/dl or more performed between February 24, 2001 and February 23, 2006, inclusive, or 15 ?g/dl or more performed on or after February 24, 2006, unless the owner has been given: (1) Written notice from any person that the elevated blood level of a person at risk is: (i) Greater than or equal to 25 ?g/dl as first documented by a test for EBL performed between February 24, 1996 and February 23, 2001, inclusive; (ii) Between February 24, 2001 and February 23, 2006, inclusive, an EBL greater than or equal to 20 ?g/dl as first documented by a test for EBL performed between February 24, 2001 and February 23, 2006, inclusive; or (iii) On or after February 24, 2006, an EBL greater than or equal to 15 ?g/dl as first documented by a test for EBL performed on or after February 24, 2006; and (2) An opportunity to make a qualified offer under Sec. 6-831 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-829 (a) A person who receives notice under Sec. 6-828(b)(1) of this subtitle is entitled to the results of any available prior blood lead tests of the person at risk for the purpose of determining whether to make a qualified offer under this subtitle and whether the qualified offer should be designated as a co-offer. (b) In the event a local health department notifies an owner of an affected property in accordance with Sec. 6-828(b)(1) of this subtitle, the local health department shall also provide the owner with any blood lead test results and history of residence for the person at risk which the local health department has on record. #### Section 6-830 (a) If, between February 24, 1996 and February 23, 2001, inclusive, the concentration of lead in a whole venous blood sample of a person at risk tested within 30 days after the person at risk begins residence or to regularly spend at least 24 hours per week in an affected property that is certified as being in compliance with the provisions of Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle is greater than or equal to 25 ?g/dl, or, between February 24, 2001 and February 23, 2006, inclusive, greater than or equal to 20 ?g/dl, or, on or after February 24, 2006, greater than or equal to 15 ?g/dl, it shall be presumed that the ingestion of lead occurred before a person at risk began residing or regularly spending at least 24 hours per week in the affected property. (b) On or after July 1, 2006, the EBL concentration of lead in a blood sample shall be determined in accordance with Sec. 6-801(f) of this subtitle. #### Section 6-831 (a) A qualified offer may be made to a person at risk under this part by: (1) The owner of the affected property in which the person at risk resides or regularly spends at least 24 hours a week; (2) An insurer of the owner; or (3) An agent of the owner. (b) Upon notice to a third party, an offeror may designate the third party as a co-offeror. (c) If a qualified offer is made under subsection (a) of this section, the qualified offer shall: (1) Be made within 30 days after the offeror receives notice under Sec. 6-828 of this subtitle; (2) Include the provisions specified in Sec. 6-839 of this subtitle; and (3) Satisfy the requirements of Sec. 6-832(a) of this subtitle. #### Section 6-832 (a) An offeror under Sec. 6-831 of this subtitle shall send notice of the qualified offer to the person at risk, or in the case of a minor, the parent or legal guardian of the minor in the form and manner specified by the Department. (b) (1) An offeror under Sec. 6-831 of this subtitle shall send a copy of the qualified offer to the local health department in the jurisdiction where the person at risk resides. (2) Within 5 business days after receiving the copy of the qualified offer under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the local health department shall personally notify the person at risk, or in the case of a minor, the parent or legal guardian of the minor of State and local resources available for lead poisoning prevention and treatment. (3) The local health department shall maintain a copy of the qualified offer in the case management file of the person at risk. #### Section 6-833 (a) For purposes of this section, a parent or legal guardian of a person at risk who is a minor is unavailable if, following reasonable efforts, the offeror is unable to locate or communicate with the parent or guardian of the minor. (b) (1) If a parent or legal guardian of the minor is unavailable, the offeror may: (i) Petition a court in accordance with the provisions of Title 13, Subtitle 7 of the Estates and Trusts Article to appoint a person to respond to the offer on behalf of the minor; and (ii) File the qualified offer with the court. (2) The court shall appoint a person to act on behalf of the minor within 15 days after the date of filing of the petition. (3) A person appointed to act on behalf of the minor shall file a response with the court either rejecting or accepting the qualified offer within 30 days after appointment by the court. (4) The response of the person appointed to respond to the offer on behalf of the minor is subject to approval by the court. (c) Within 15 days after a response to a qualified offer is filed with a court under subsection (b)(3) of this section, the court: (1) May hold a hearing; and (2) Shall approve or disapprove the response to the qualified offer. (d) If a court disapproves the response to the qualified offer filed by the person acting on behalf of the minor, the court may order: (1) That an additional response be filed on behalf of the minor; or (2) Any action the court considers necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the minor. (e) If the court approves a response accepting a qualified offer on behalf of the minor, the order of the court shall designate one or more persons who shall be responsible for and authorized to make all decisions on behalf of the minor necessary to implement the qualified offer. #### Section 6-834 (a) A person at risk, or a parent or legal guardian of a minor who is a person at risk, may accept or reject a qualified offer made under this part as provided in this section. (b) Subject to the provisions of Sec. 6-833 of this subtitle, a person at risk, or a parent or legal guardian of a minor who is a person at risk, may accept a qualified offer within 30 days after receipt of the qualified offer unless the parties agree otherwise. (c) Subject to the provisions of Sec. 6-833 of this subtitle and unless the parties agree otherwise, an offer which is not accepted within 30 days following receipt shall be deemed to have been rejected. #### Section 6-835 Acceptance of a qualified offer by a person at risk, or by a parent, legal guardian, or other person authorized under Sec. 6-833 of this subtitle to respond on behalf of a person discharges and releases all potential liability of the offeror, the offeror's insured or principal, and any participating co-offeror to the person at risk and to the parent or legal guardian of the person at risk for alleged injury or loss caused by the ingestion of lead by the person at risk in the affected property. #### Section 6-836 An owner of an affected property is not liable, for alleged injury or loss caused by ingestion of lead by a person at risk in the affected property, to a person at risk or a parent, legal guardian, or other person authorized under Sec. 6-833 of this subtitle to respond on behalf of a person at risk who rejects a qualified offer made by the owner or the owner's insurer or agent if, during the period of the alleged ingestion of lead by the person at risk, and with respect to the affected property in which the exposure allegedly occurred, the owner: (1) Has given to the tenant the notices required by Sec.Sec. 6-820 and 6-823 of this subtitle; and (2) Was in compliance with: (i) The registration provisions of Part III of this subtitle; and (ii) The applicable risk reduction standard and response standard under Sec. 6-815 or Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle, and the risk reduction schedule under Sec. 6-817 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-836.1 In an action in which the owner's immunity from liability under Sec. 6-835 or Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle is challenged, upon motion by any party and prior to authorizing further proceedings in the action, the court shall: (1) Allow discovery limited solely to the issue of the owner's immunity under Sec. 6-835 or Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle; (2) Determine if there are any disputes of material fact as to whether the owner is entitled to immunity under Sec. 6-835 or Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle; (3) Hold an evidentiary hearing on issues of material fact as to the immunity, if any, which shall, upon request of any party, be before a jury; and (4) Determine as a matter of law whether the owner is entitled to immunity from liability under Sec. 6-835 or Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-837 A qualified offer shall be treated as an offer of compromise for purposes of admissibility in evidence, notwithstanding that the amount is not in controversy. #### Section 6-838 (a) (1) In an action seeking damages for alleged injury or loss caused by the ingestion of lead by a person at risk in an affected property, evidence that the owner of the affected property was in compliance with the provisions of Part IV of this subtitle during the period of residency of the person at risk is admissible as evidence that the owner exercised reasonable care with respect to lead hazards during that period. (2) In an action seeking damages for alleged injury or loss caused by the ingestion of lead by a person at risk in an affected property, evidence that the owner of the affected property was not in compliance with the provisions of Part IV of this subtitle during the period of residency of the person at risk is admissible as evidence that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to lead hazards during that period. (b) If a party to an action for damages arising from ingestion of lead by a person at risk in an affected property alleges or denies the time and place of residence of, or visitation by, the person at risk without a good faith basis for the allegation or denial, the court shall require the offending party, the party's attorney, or both to pay the reasonable costs, including attorney's fees, incurred by the adverse party in opposing the allegation or denial. #### Section 6-839 (a) Whenever a qualified offer is made under this part, the qualified offer shall include payment for reasonable expenses and costs up to the amount specified in Sec. 6-840 of this subtitle for: (1) The relocation of the household of the person at risk to lead-safe housing of comparable size and quality that may provide: (i) The permanent relocation of the household of the affected person at risk to lead-safe housing, including relocation expenses, a rent subsidy, and incidental expenses; or (ii) The temporary relocation of the household of the affected person at risk to lead-safe housing while necessary lead hazard reduction treatments are being performed in the affected property to make that affected property lead-safe; and (2) Medically necessary treatment for the affected person at risk as determined by the treating physician or other health care provider or case manager of the person at risk that is necessary to mitigate the effects of lead poisoning, as defined by the Department by regulation, and, in the case of a child, until the child reaches the age of 18 years. (b) An offeror is required to pay reasonable expenses for the medically necessary treatments under subsection (a)(2) of this section if coverage for these treatments is not otherwise provided by the Maryland Medical Assistance Program under Title 15, Subtitle 1 of the Health - General Article or by a third-party health insurance plan under which the person at risk has coverage or in which the person at risk is enrolled. (c) A qualified offer shall include a certification by the owner of the affected property, under the penalties of perjury, that the owner has complied with the applicable provisions of Parts III and IV of this subtitle in a manner that qualifies the owner to make a qualified offer under this part. (d) The Department may adopt regulations that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. #### Section 6-840 (a) The amounts payable under a qualified offer made under this part are subject to the following aggregate maximum caps: (1) $7,500 for all medically necessary treatments as provided and limited in Sec. 6-839(a) and (b) of this subtitle; and (2) $9,500 for relocation benefits which shall include: (i) Relocation expenses; (ii) A rent subsidy, up to 150% of the existing rent each month, for the period until the person at risk reaches the age of 6 years, or in the case of a pregnant woman, until the child born as a result of that pregnancy reaches the age of 6 years; and (iii) Incidental expenses which may be incurred by the household, such as transportation and child care expenses. (b) All payments under a qualified offer specified in subsection (a) of this section shall be paid to the provider of the service, except that payment of incidental expenses as provided by subsection (a)(2)(iii) of this section may be paid directly to the person at risk, or in the case of a child, to the parent or legal guardian of the person at risk. (c) The payments under a qualified offer may not be considered income or an asset of the person at risk, the parent of a person at risk who is a child, the legal guardian, or a person who accepts the offer on behalf of a person at risk who is a child under Sec. 6-833 of this subtitle for the purposes of determining eligibility for any State entitlement program. #### Section 6-841 (a) Payments under a qualified offer for temporary relocation shall include: (1) Transportation expenses; (2) The rent or per diem cost of temporary lead-safe housing; (3) Meal expenses, if the temporary lead-safe housing does not contain meal preparation facilities; and (4) The cost of moving, hauling, or storing furniture or other personal belongings. (b) The household of the person at risk may not reoccupy the affected property until the property has been certified as lead-safe. #### Section 6-842 (a) An offeror who fails to comply with the terms of a qualified offer, or who falsely certifies compliance under Sec. 6-839(c) of this subtitle, shall be deemed to be out of compliance with the provisions of Part IV of this subtitle with respect to the person who is the subject of the qualified offer for purposes of Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle. (b) The statute of limitations shall be tolled until the failure to comply under subsection (a) of this section is discovered. #### Section 6-843 (a) (1) Except as provided in this subsection and subsection (b) of this section, and in cooperation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, and other appropriate governmental units, the Department shall provide for the collection of an annual fee for every rental dwelling unit in the State. (2) For an affected property, the fee: (i) Is $75; and (ii) Shall be collected by the Department once every 2 years. (3) (i) Subject to the provisions of subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, on or before December 31, 2000, the fee for a rental dwelling unit built after 1949 that is not an affected property is $5. After December 31, 2000, there is no fee for a rental dwelling unit built after 1949 that is not an affected property. (ii) The owner of a rental dwelling unit built after 1949 that is not an affected property may not be required to pay the fee provided under this paragraph if the owner certifies to the Department that the rental dwelling unit is lead free pursuant to Sec. 6-804 of this subtitle. (iii) An owner of a rental dwelling unit who submits a report to the Department that the rental dwelling unit is lead free pursuant to Sec. 6-804 of this subtitle shall include a $30 processing fee with the report. (b) The fees imposed under this section do not apply to any rental dwelling unit: (1) Built after 1978; or (2) Owned and operated by a unit of federal, State, or local government, or any public, quasi-public, or municipal corporation. (c) (1) The fee imposed under this section shall be paid on or before December 31, 1995, or the date of registration of the affected property under Part III of this subtitle and on or before December 31 every other year thereafter or according to a schedule established by the Department by regulation. (2) The Department may establish a protocol to stagger registrations of affected property under Part III of this subtitle to equally divide registrations over sequential calendar years. (d) An owner who fails to pay the fee imposed under this section is liable for a civil penalty of up to triple the amount of each registration fee unpaid that, together with all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney's fees, shall be collected in a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction. #### Section 6-844 (a) There is a Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund in the Department. (b) The Fund consists of: (1) All fees collected and penalties imposed under this subtitle; and (2) Moneys received by grant, donation, appropriation, or from any other source. (c) The Department shall use the Fund to cover the costs of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the Department and the Commission under this subtitle, and for program development of these activities. (d) (1) The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing special fund, and is not subject to Sec. 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) The State Treasurer shall hold and the State Comptroller shall account for the Fund. (3) The Fund shall be invested and reinvested and any investment earnings shall be paid into the Fund. (e) For each fiscal year, at least $750,000 of the moneys in the Fund shall be used only for any of the following purposes: (1) Community outreach and education programs under Sec. 6-848 of this subtitle; and (2) Enforcement efforts under this subtitle. #### Section 6-845 (a) The Department shall establish and maintain a statewide data base which tracks the status of affected property. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may, by regulation, require owners of affected property to provide information that the Department considers necessary for the data base. (2) The Department may not require the owner to provide: (i) Information more frequently than annually; (ii) The identities of persons or entities having an ownership interest in an owner of an affected property who are not otherwise owners of the affected property; and (iii) Any financial information regarding an affected property or the owner of an affected property, other than data on any costs that an owner has incurred with respect to an affected property in order to comply with Part IV of this subtitle. (c) The data base shall be used to implement the provisions of this subtitle. (d) (1) An owner who uses a standard lease form may only be required to submit one copy of that form and any alterations to, or variations from, that form. (2) The Department may, by regulation, designate or define minor alterations and variations to standard lease forms that do not require separate submittal. (e) (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the information provided by the owner under this section shall be open to the public. (2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department may not disclose: (1) An inventory or list of properties owned by an owner; or (2) The costs that an owner has incurred with respect to an affected property in order to comply with Part IV of this subtitle, if the information is identified to: (A) A specific owner; or (B) A specific affected property or group of affected properties owned by the same owner. (ii) The Department shall, upon request, disclose whether the owner has met the percentage of inventory requirements under Sec. 6-817 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-846 (a) This section establishes notification requirements of a person at risk that has an elevated blood lead level greater than or equal to: (1) Before February 24, 2006, 15 ?g/dl; (2) Between February 24, 2006, and September 30, 2019, inclusive, 10 ?g/dl; (3) Between October 1, 2019, and October 27, 2022, inclusive, 5 ?g/dl; (4) Between October 28, 2022, and December 31, 2023, inclusive, 3.5 ?g/dl; and (5) On and after January 1, 2024, the reference level. (b) On receiving the results of a blood lead test under Sec. 6-303 of this title indicating that a person at risk has an EBL, the Department or a local health department shall notify: (1) The person at risk, or in the case of a minor, the parent or legal guardian of the person at risk, of the results of the test; and (2) The owner of the affected property in which the person at risk resides or regularly spends at least 24 hours per week of the results of the test. (c) The notices to be provided to the parent or owner under subsection (b) of this section shall be on the forms prepared by the Department, and shall contain any information required by the Department. #### Section 6-847 (a) (1) An owner who receives the blood lead test results of a person at risk under this subtitle may not disclose those results to another person except: (i) The insurer of the owner; (ii) A medical doctor or other health professional with whom the owner consults; or (iii) An attorney of the owner or any person specified in item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph. (2) A person who receives blood lead test results from an owner under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not disclose those results to any person not specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection. (b) A person who in good faith discloses or does not disclose the results of a blood lead test to an owner under this part is not liable under any cause of action arising from the disclosure or nondisclosure of the test results. (c) A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to the penalties provided in Sec. 4-309 of the Health - General Article. #### Section 6-848 The Department shall: (1) Develop and establish community outreach programs to high lead risk areas, which may be implemented by the Department, local governments, or community groups; and (2) Assist local governments to provide case management services if necessary to persons at risk with elevated blood lead. #### Section 6-848.1 (a) In this section, "retailer" means any person who sells paint or paint supplies to a consumer. (b) A retailer shall display a poster developed and provided by the Department under subsection (c) of this section: (1) Within an area in which paint or paint supplies are sold or displayed; or (2) At each register or check-out aisle. (c) The Department shall develop and provide a poster to retailers that includes the following information: (1) The dangers and hazards of lead poisoning; and (2) A phone number that consumers can call for assistance in lead risk reduction and safe renovation practices. #### Section 6-848.2 A local government agency shall report to the Department any known noncompliance of an affected property with this subtitle. #### Section 6-849 (a) (1) The Department shall impose an administrative penalty on an owner who fails to register an affected property by December 31, 1995 or within the time period specified in Sec. 6-811(a)(2) or Sec. 6-812(b) of this subtitle or fails to renew or update a registration as provided under Sec. 6-812(a) of this subtitle. The administrative penalty imposed shall be up to $20 per day, calculated from the date compliance is required, for each affected property which is not registered or for which registration is not renewed or updated. (2) The Department shall impose an administrative penalty, not to exceed $50,000, on any person who violates Sec. 6-818(a)(1)(ii) or (2) of this subtitle. (3) The penalty shall be assessed with consideration given to: (i) The willfulness of the violation, the extent to which the existence of the violation was known to the violator but uncorrected by the violator, and the extent to which the violator exercised reasonable care; (ii) The extent to which the violation resulted in actual harm to the environment or to human health or safety; (iii) The nature and degree of injury to or interference with general welfare, health, and property; (iv) The extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation committed by the violator; and (v) The extent to which the violation creates the potential for harm to the environment or to human health or safety. (4) On or before March 31, 2002, the Department may waive an administrative penalty under this subsection upon a showing of hardship or provided that: (i) The affected property is registered, the registration is renewed, or the registration is updated; (ii) The Department has not initiated an enforcement action for violation of this subtitle before the date upon which the property is registered or the registration is renewed or updated; and (iii) All of the owner's affected properties have been brought into compliance with this subtitle and 65% of the owner's affected properties have been certified in compliance with the full risk reduction standards in accordance with Sec.Sec. 6-815 and 6-817(b) of this subtitle. (b) An owner who fails to renew or update a registration as required under Sec. 6-812 of this subtitle within 90 days after the date specified shall be deemed to be out of compliance with the provisions of this subtitle, with respect to each affected property to which that renewal or update relates, for purposes of Sec. 6-836 of this subtitle on the 91st day after the date the renewal or update was required. #### Section 6-850 (a) Except as provided in Sec. 6-849 of this subtitle, in addition to any other remedies provided in this subtitle, the provisions and procedures of Sec.Sec. 7-256 through 7-264 and 7-266 of this article shall be used and shall apply to enforce violations of this subtitle, provided that the penalty imposed under Sec. 7-266(b)(2)(i) of this article may not exceed $500 per day for any violation of this subtitle. (b) If an accredited supervisor falsely verifies that work was performed on an affected property pursuant to Sec. 6-819(g) of this subtitle, the owner of the affected property who employs the supervisor and who has actual knowledge of the false verification shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $30,000. (c) A person who falsifies information that is submitted in a report under Sec. 6-818(a)(1)(iii) of this subtitle is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding $50,000, to be collected in a civil action. #### Section 6-851 (a) The Department may audit, through a spot check or other investigation, the verification of work performed pursuant to Sec. 6-819(g) of this subtitle. (b) If the Department, through audits conducted within 30 days of receipt of verification of work performed pursuant to Sec. 6-819(g) of this subtitle, finds that the condition of the affected property does not comport with the work that was verified by the same contractor or supervisor, an owner of a property for which work was verified by that contractor or supervisor within the previous year shall be required to have that property inspected and treated as necessary to satisfy the modified risk reduction standard under Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-852 (a) The Department may, at any time, spot check affected properties that have been reported as satisfying the risk reduction standard or verified as satisfying the modified risk reduction standard. (b) If a spot check pursuant to subsection (a) of this section reveals that an affected property that has been reported as satisfying the risk reduction standard under Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle does not satisfy that standard, the Department may order that the owner of the property satisfy the risk reduction standard, as verified by an inspection conducted within 30 days of receipt of the order. (c) If a spot check pursuant to subsection (a) of this section reveals that an affected property that has been verified as satisfying the modified risk reduction standard under Sec. 6-819 of this subtitle, but has not been reported as satisfying the risk reduction standard under Sec. 6-815 of this subtitle, does not satisfy the modified risk reduction standard, the Department may order the owner of the property to satisfy the modified risk reduction standard, as verified by an inspection conducted within 30 days of receipt of the order. ### Subtitle 9. Mercury #### Section 6-901 (a) On or after July 1, 1994, a person may not dispose of a mercuric oxide battery except in a manner that the Department approves under regulations adopted by the Department. (b) Any 2 or more manufacturers may develop a joint plan for recycling or disposal of any specified mercuric oxide battery that they manufacture. (c) (1) A manufacturer shall be responsible for the environmentally sound collection, transportation, and recycling or proper disposal, including the cost of these activities, of every used mercuric oxide battery produced by the manufacturer and sold or offered for promotional purposes in the State. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, a retailer or seller may provide for the collection, recycling, or proper disposal of used mercuric oxide batteries through the sale to a refiner or a refiner's agent if the retailer or seller complies with any requirement established by the Department to implement this section. (d) Manufacturers may establish or utilize a trade association or a consortium comprised of members of the dry cell battery industry in order to facilitate compliance with the requirements of this section. (e) A manufacturer shall consult with the Office of Recycling in developing its plan. (f) Each battery management plan submitted by a manufacturer shall include: (1) The designation of the collector, transporter, processor, or collection system to be utilized by the manufacturer, or by the county or municipal corporation, institutional generator, retailer or small quantity generator on behalf of the manufacturer, for the collection, transportation, and recycling or proper disposal of used mercuric oxide batteries in each county; (2) The designation of the funding source or mechanism to be used by the manufacturer to defray the costs of implementing the battery management plan; and (3) A strategy for informing consumers, on any store display promoting the sale or use of the batteries the manufacturer manufactures, that these types of used dry cell batteries may not enter the solid waste stream, and that a convenient mechanism for the collection, transportation, and recycling or proper disposal of these types of used batteries is available to the consumer. #### Section 6-902 A person may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this State a mercuric oxide battery unless: (1) The person is a party to a plan approved by the Department under Sec. 6-901 of this subtitle; or (2) A retailer or seller has provided for the collection, recycling, or proper disposal of used mercuric oxide batteries through the sale to a refiner or a refiner's agent and the retailer or seller has complied with any requirement established by the Department to implement Sec. 6-901 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-903 A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for each violation. #### Section 6-904 The General Assembly finds that: (1) Mercury is a persistent and toxic pollutant that bioaccumulates in the environment; (2) Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish poses a significant health threat; (3) Combustion of municipal and other solid waste is a source of mercury pollution; (4) Both industry and government are working to reduce the content of mercury in products and to control the release of mercury into the environment; (5) Accidental mercury spills, breakages, and releases have occurred at schools in the United States, exposing students, teachers, and administrators to mercury emissions; and (6) Removal of mercury and mercury-containing products from the waste stream prior to combustion or disposal is an effective way to reduce mercury pollution. #### Section 6-905 (a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. (a-1) "Electric relay" means a product or device that opens or closes electrical contacts to effect the operation of other devices in the same or another electrical circuit. (a-2) "Electric switch" means a product or device that opens or closes an electrical circuit. (a-3) "Gas valve switch" means a product or device that opens or closes a gas valve. (b) "Manufacturer" means a person that: (1) Produces a product; (2) For a multicomponent product, produces or assembles the final product; or (3) Serves as an importer or domestic distributor of a product produced outside of the United States. (c) "Marketer" means a person that manufactures, assembles, sells, distributes, affixes a brand name or private label to, or licenses the use of a brand name on: (1) A fever thermometer containing mercury; (2) A thermostat containing mercury; (3) An electric switch containing mercury or a product component with an electric switch containing mercury; (4) An electric relay containing mercury or a product component with an electric relay containing mercury; or (5) A gas valve switch containing mercury or a product component with a gas valve switch containing mercury. (d) "Mercury-added product" means any of the following products if containing elemental mercury or a mercury compound that has been added to the product for any reason: (1) Dyes or pigments; and (2) Fluorescent lamps. (e) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning stated in Sec. 11-135 of the Transportation Article. (f) "Reclamation facility" means a site: (1) Where equipment is used to recapture mercury from mercury-added fluorescent lamps for the purpose of recycling or reusing the mercury; or (2) That collects mercury-containing components from mercury-added fluorescent lamps for the eventual recapture and recycling or reuse of the mercury. (g) "Thermostat" means a device that regulates temperature in an enclosed area by controlling heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment. #### Section 6-905.1 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a marketer may not sell or provide a fever thermometer containing mercury to a consumer except by prescription. (b) This section does not apply to: (1) A fever thermometer sold or provided to be used in hospitals or other places where medical services are provided by medical service professionals; or (2) A digital thermometer using mercury-added button cell batteries. #### Section 6-905.2 A marketer may not sell or provide a thermostat containing mercury to a consumer. #### Section 6-905.3 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, on or after October 1, 2018, a marketer may not knowingly sell or provide to a consumer individually or as a product component: (1) An electric switch containing mercury; (2) An electric relay containing mercury; or (3) A gas valve switch containing mercury. (b) This section does not apply to an electric switch, an electric relay, or a gas valve switch that is sold or provided to replace a switch or relay that is a component of a larger product in use on or before October 1, 2018, if: (1) The larger product is used in manufacturing; (2) The larger product is used in a generating, transmission, or distributing facility for electric energy, gas, or water; (3) The switch or relay is integrated with, and not physically separate from, other components of the larger product; (4) The use of the switch or relay is required under federal law or regulation; or (5) The manufacturer of the larger product has not approved for use in the larger product a switch or relay that does not contain mercury. (c) (1) A person that violates this section is liable for a civil penalty to be collected in a civil action in the circuit court for any county in the State not exceeding: (i) $1,000 for a first offense; (ii) $2,500 for a second offense; or (iii) $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense. (2) (i) In addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity, after an opportunity for a hearing, the Department may impose a fine for each violation of this section, not exceeding: (1) $1,000 for a first offense; (2) $2,500 for a second offense; or (3) $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense. (ii) The Department shall consider the following in assessing the fine in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph: (1) The willfulness of the violation; (2) The extent to which the violation was known, but uncorrected, by the violator; (3) The extent to which the violation resulted in actual harm to human health or the environment; (4) The nature and degree of injury to, or interference with, general welfare and health; and (5) The extent to which the current violation is part of a pattern of the same or a similar type of violation by the violator. (3) Each day a violation continues is a separate offense under this section. #### Section 6-905.4 (a) This section does not apply to: (1) Prescription drugs; (2) Any substance regulated by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (3) Biological products regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration under the federal Public Health Service Act; (4) Medical equipment not intended for use by nonmedical personnel; or (5) Products that contain mercury-added products that are labeled in accordance with this section. (b) (1) On or after April 1, 2006, unless the product is labeled in accordance with subsection (c) of this section and the regulations adopted by the Department under this section, a manufacturer or wholesaler may not sell a mercury-added product: (i) At retail in the State; or (ii) To a retailer in the State. (2) On or after April 1, 2006, unless the product is labeled in accordance with subsection (c) of this section and the regulations adopted by the Department under this section, a retailer may not knowingly sell a new mercury-added product in the State. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the label of a mercury-added product shall clearly inform the purchaser or consumer that: (i) Mercury is present in the product; and (ii) The product shall be managed in accordance with federal and State environmental laws to minimize the release of mercury into the environment. (2) A label that conforms to another state's label requirements for mercury-added products satisfies the requirements of this subsection. (d) (1) The manufacturer of a mercury-added product is responsible for affixing the label required by this section on mercury-added products manufactured on or after January 1, 2006. (2) (i) (1) A manufacturer of a motor vehicle may meet the labeling requirements of this section by placing the label on the doorpost of a new vehicle. (2) If the servicing of a vehicle includes the addition of a mercury-added product, the label on the doorpost of the vehicle shall be appropriately updated. (ii) A manufacturer that labels a mercury-added product in compliance with another state's labeling requirements for the same or a similar mercury-added product satisfies the requirements of this subsection. (e) (1) In this subsection, "mercury-added fluorescent lamp" means a fluorescent lamp that exhibits the toxicity characteristic for mercury under Title 26, Subtitle 13, Chapter 2 of the Code of Maryland Regulations. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, on or after October 1, 2006, a person who, during a calendar year, discards at least the minimum weight or minimum number of mercury-added fluorescent lamps, as established in regulations adopted under subsection (f) of this section, shall arrange for the final reclamation or destination of the lamps at a: (i) Reclamation facility; or (ii) Destination facility, as defined by the Department in regulation. (3) The Department may delay the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection if it determines that it will not be feasible for a person to arrange for the final reclamation or destination of lamps at reclamation facilities on the date provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection. (4) Unless otherwise provided under federal or State law: (i) An owner or operator of an industrial or commercial property may assign the responsibility for ensuring compliance with this subsection to a tenant who is otherwise responsible for maintaining the property; and (ii) If a tenant is responsible for ensuring compliance and fails to comply with this subsection, the owner or operator of the property is not liable for the failure to comply. (f) By October 1, 2005, the Department shall adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this section, including the establishment of: (1) Standards for the size, location, and typeface of the label required by this section; (2) Criteria under which a person subject to this section may be exempted from the labeling and reclamation or destination requirements and limitations of this section; and (3) During the course of a calendar year, the minimum weight and the minimum number, as applicable, of mercury-added fluorescent lamps that shall be required for a person to deliver the lamps or arrange for their delivery to a: (i) Reclamation facility; or (ii) Destination facility, as defined by the Department in regulation. (g) Before adopting a regulation under this section, the Department shall consult with persons that have an interest in or are directly impacted by the proposed regulation. #### Section 6-906 (a) Beginning October 1, 2003, no primary or secondary school, except for a school engaged in vocational training, may use or purchase for use elemental or chemical mercury in a primary or secondary classroom. (b) The Department shall provide outreach assistance to schools relating to the proper management, recycling, and disposal of mercury and mercury-added products. #### Section 6-907 (a) The Department shall implement a public education, outreach, and assistance program relating to: (1) The hazards of mercury; (2) The requirements of this subtitle; and (3) Voluntary efforts that individuals, institutions, and businesses can undertake to help further reduce mercury in the environment. (b) The Department shall cooperate with neighboring states and regional organizations in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States on developing outreach, assistance, and education programs, where appropriate. ### Subtitle 10. Accreditation of Lead Paint Abatement Services #### Section 6-1001 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Abatement" means a set of measures that eliminate or reduce lead-based paint hazards in residential, public, or commercial buildings, bridges, or other structures or superstructures in accordance with standards established by the Department which may include: (1) The removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the containment or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement or demolition of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or covering of lead-contaminated soil; (2) All preparation, cleanup, disposal, and postabatement clearance testing activities associated with these measures; and (3) The renovation, repair, and painting of a lead-containing substance in a residential, public, or commercial building built before 1978. (c) "Lead containing substance" means: (1) Any paint, plaster, or surface encapsulation material containing more than 0.50 percent lead by weight calculated as lead metal in the dried solid or more than 0.7 milligrams lead per square centimeter as measured by an X-ray fluorescence analyzer; or (2) Such other standards consistent with an applicable federal definition as the Department may set by regulation. (d) "Person" includes any public or municipal corporation, or any agency, bureau, department, or instrumentality of federal, State, or local government. (e) "Provide lead paint abatement services" means to engage in the risk assessment, inspection, or abatement of lead-containing substances. #### Section 6-1002 (a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, unless the person is accredited by the Department under this subtitle, a person may not: (1) Act as a contractor or supervisor for the purpose of providing lead paint abatement services; (2) Provide training to others who provide lead paint abatement services; or (3) Engage in the inspection of lead-based paint hazards. (b) The Department shall, by regulation, create exceptions to the accreditation requirement for instances where the disturbance of lead-containing substance is incidental. (c) An individual who acts only as a worker or project designer need not be accredited, but must be trained. #### Section 6-1003 (a) The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle. (b) Regulations adopted under this subtitle may include: (1) Initial and continuing standards and procedures for accreditation, including education, training, examination, and job performance standards; (2) Standards and procedures for renewal of accreditation; (3) Standards and procedures for modification, suspension, or revocation of accreditation; (4) Different standards and procedures for different lead paint abatement services; (5) Standards and procedures for abatement involving the renovation, repair, and painting of lead-containing substances, including a requirement for lead-dust testing; (6) Recognition of accreditation or similar approvals of persons by other governmental entities; (7) Requirements for any person who is accredited by the Department to provide lead paint abatement services to be covered by a reasonable performance bond or reasonable liability insurance; and (8) Such other provisions as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subtitle. (c) The Department shall review and revise its certification and other regulations under this subtitle as necessary to ensure continued eligibility for federal funding of lead-hazard activities in the State. (d) The Department shall set reasonable fees for the accreditation of persons who provide lead paint abatement services sufficient to cover the Department's direct and indirect costs of administering this subtitle. #### Section 6-1004 (a) There is a Lead Accreditation Fund. (b) (1) All fees collected under Sec. 6-1003(d) and fines and penalties imposed under Sec. 6-1005 of this subtitle shall be deposited in the Lead Accreditation Fund. (2) The Department may apply for and accept any funds or grants from any federal, State, local, or private source for credit to the Fund that might assist with development, establishment, administration, and education and enforcement activities of the lead paint abatement services accreditation program under this subtitle. (c) The Department shall use the Lead Accreditation Fund for activities by the Department that are related to processing, monitoring and regulating the accreditation of lead paint abatement services, and for program development of these activities. (d) (1) The Lead Accreditation Fund shall be a continuing, nonlapsing special fund, and is not subject to Sec. 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) The State Treasurer shall hold and the State Comptroller shall account for the Accreditation Fund. (3) The Accreditation Fund shall be invested and reinvested. Any investment earnings shall be paid into the Accreditation Fund. #### Section 6-1005 Except as otherwise provided, the provisions and procedures of Sec.Sec. 6-420 through 6-422 of this title and Sec. 7-266(b) of this article shall be used and shall apply to enforce violations of: (1) This subtitle; (2) Any regulations adopted under this subtitle; and (3) Any condition of accreditation issued under this subtitle. ### Subtitle 11. Rechargeable Batteries #### Section 6-1101 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Cell" means a galvanic or voltaic device weighing 25 pounds or less consisting of an enclosed or sealed container which contains a positive and a negative electrode consisting primarily of cadmium or lead, and which contains a gel or liquid starved electrolyte. (c) "Cell manufacturer" means a person who: (1) Manufactures cells in the United States; or (2) Imports into the United States cells or units for which no unit management program has been put into effect by the actual manufacturer of the cell or unit. (d) "Easily removed", with respect to a rechargeable battery which powers a rechargeable product, means removable by hand or by using common household tools. (e) "Institutional user" means a person conducting medical, commercial, industrial, governmental, or similar operations. (f) (1) "Marketer" means a person who manufactures, assembles, sells, distributes, affixes a brand name or private label to, or licenses the use of a brand name on a unit or product with an easily removable rechargeable battery. (2) Except for a person who affixes a brand name or private label to a unit or to a product with an easily removable rechargeable battery, "marketer" does not include a person engaged in the retail sale of a unit or of a rechargeable product. (g) "Nonremovable", with respect to a rechargeable battery which powers a rechargeable product, means not easily removed. (h) (1) "Rechargeable battery" means any type of enclosed device or sealed container which consists of one or more cells and which weighs 25 pounds or less. (2) "Rechargeable battery" does not include a battery used as a power source for starting a motor vehicle. (i) "Rechargeable product" means a device for which the primary power source is a nonremovable rechargeable battery. (j) "Responsible entity" means a person designated in a unit management program, or in the absence of a unit management program, the marketer whose name appears on a unit. (k) "Sell" means to sell, offer for sale, or offer for promotional purposes a unit or a product with an easily removable rechargeable battery. (l) "Unit" means a cell, a rechargeable battery, or a rechargeable product. (m) "Unit management program" means a program or system for the collection, recycling, or disposal of units put in place by a marketer under Sec. 6-1107 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-1102 After December 31, 1994, each unit sold by a marketer to an end user in this State shall be covered by one or more unit management programs. #### Section 6-1103 (a) Unless granted an exemption by the Department, rechargeable batteries contained in products designed for use by consumers and manufactured after December 31, 1993 shall be easily removed. (b) Upon application, the Department may exempt from the requirements of this section a rechargeable battery contained in a product designed for use by consumers upon a finding that: (1) For reasons such as health or safety cannot be redesigned; and (2) The product is covered by a unit management program. #### Section 6-1104 (a) Each unit manufactured after December 31, 1993 and sold to an end user in this State after December 31, 1994 shall bear the following information on the unit, the package, the product containing the unit, or in associated instructional material: (1) A statement that the unit must be disposed of properly; (2) The "three chasing arrows" recycling symbol; (3) A description of the battery electrode chemistry; and (4) Sufficient information to enable the user properly to dispose of spent units. (b) A local government or agency of local government in this State may not enact additional labeling requirements for a unit, package, product containing a unit, or associated instructional material. (c) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to prohibit the display of any other symbol or information designed to promote recycling. #### Section 6-1105 (a) Marketers shall develop and provide or cause to be provided a generic notice placard to each retailer of a unit or product with an easily removable rechargeable battery. (b) The notice placard shall contain substantially the following information: (1) After December 31, 1994, disposal of rechargeable batteries or products powered by nonremovable rechargeable batteries may only be in accordance with a State-approved collection system; (2) Under State law, marketers of rechargeable batteries and products powered by nonremovable rechargeable batteries shall provide a special collection system for these items by January 1, 1995; and (3) Rechargeable batteries and rechargeable products shall contain specific information on proper methods of collection and disposal. (c) (1) After December 31, 1994, a retailer who sells a unit or a product with an easily removable rechargeable battery shall display the generic notice placard provided by a marketer at or near the sales display of the unit or product. (2) A single generic notice placard may be utilized to provide notice for more than one marketer of a unit or product with an easily removable rechargeable battery. (3) A single generic notice placard may be displayed in one or more areas where units or products with easily removable rechargeable batteries are sold. #### Section 6-1106 After December 31, 1994 a person may not dispose of a unit except in accordance with a unit management program approved by the Department or in another manner approved under regulations adopted by the Department. #### Section 6-1107 (a) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, by January 1, 1995 each unit, and each easily removable rechargeable battery contained in a product, sold in the State shall be covered by a unit management program approved by the Department. A unit management program may be submitted by or on behalf of any person having responsibilities under this subtitle. (b) A unit management program shall: (1) Provide the name, address and telephone number of each responsible entity; (2) Describe the units and products which each responsible entity shall ensure will be collected and transported under the program; and (3) Generally describe the unit management program including methods of unit collection, transportation, and recycling or proper disposal. (c) A unit management program shall be submitted to the Department prior to the sale of any unit, or of any product with an easily removable rechargeable battery, by a marketer in this State which takes place after December 31, 1994. Any change in a responsible entity, address or telephone number, covered units or products, or disposition of units under a unit management program shall be reported to the Department within 90 days after the change takes place. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, nothing in this subtitle may be construed to prohibit the sale to an original equipment manufacturer by a cell manufacturer of a cell not covered under a unit management program. #### Section 6-1108 (a) Each marketer shall ensure that its direct customers have a convenient mechanism for returning units to the marketer or to the responsible entity or to a destination specified in the unit management program covering those units. (b) Except for direct sales to private consumers, each marketer shall provide written notice to its direct customers that each unit sold by the marketer is covered by a unit management program. (c) Each marketer is responsible for units sold by it. (d) The retailer location where units are collected under a unit management program may not constitute a facility as defined in Sec. 7-101 of this article. #### Section 6-1109 (a) In addition to any requirement which a cell manufacturer may have as a marketer under this subtitle, each cell manufacturer shall accept cells and rechargeable batteries collected in the State, including cells collected by the State, local governments, and their agencies. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a cell manufacturer shall accept cells and rechargeable batteries returned to it of the same general type which it manufactures, including cells of other brands. (2) A cell manufacturer may not be required to accept other brands in more than a reasonable amount as determined by the Department. (c) Each cell manufacturer has the sole responsibility for recycling or disposal of cells and rechargeable batteries returned to it. (d) A cell manufacturer that does not produce rechargeable products may not be required to accept a rechargeable product. #### Section 6-1110 (a) Each institutional user shall collect and return spent units used in its operations to the appropriate responsible entity in accordance with the unit management program, or, at its discretion, to a facility permitted to store or process hazardous waste. (b) A rechargeable product designed for use by an institutional user shall bear a notice that when no longer usable, the product shall be recycled or disposed of properly. #### Section 6-1111 Each responsible entity shall ensure that its unit management program is carried out and that units collected under the submitted unit management program are returned to the cell manufacturer or, at the discretion of the responsible entity, to proper disposal or recycling facilities. Duties of the responsible entity end with delivery of collected units to the cell manufacturer, or to proper disposal or recycling facilities. #### Section 6-1112 (a) Any person bearing responsibility under this subtitle may contract with a private or public entity or may form an association for preparation and maintenance of a unit management program or for performance of its responsibilities required under a unit management program, including appointment of an agent, allocation of costs, and indemnification. (b) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to relieve or to protect any person bearing responsibility under this subtitle from liability for violation of this subtitle due to nonperformance by a responsible entity or agent. #### Section 6-1113 Any person cooperating in a unit management program in compliance with this subtitle is immune from liability under State law relating to antitrust and restraint of trade for any cooperative activities arising out of the collection and management of units. #### Section 6-1114 (a) A person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for each violation. (b) Each day on which a violation occurs is a separate violation of this subtitle. ### Subtitle 12. Brominated Flame Retardants #### Section 6-1201 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "DecaBDE" means decabrominated diphenyl ether. (c) "OctaBDE" means octabrominated diphenyl ether. (d) "PentaBDE" means pentabrominated diphenyl ether. #### Section 6-1202 (a) This section does not apply to the processing of recyclables containing pentaBDE or octaBDE that is conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws. (b) This section does not apply to original equipment manufacturer replacement service parts or other products manufactured prior to October 1, 2008, if the parts or products were manufactured in compliance with applicable federal, State, and local laws. (c) On or after October 1, 2008, a person may not manufacture, process, sell, or distribute in the State a new product or flame-retardant part of a new product that contains more than one-tenth of 1% of pentaBDE or octaBDE by mass. #### Section 6-1202.1 (a) (1) In this section, "transportation equipment", "military equipment", and "components of transportation or military equipment" do not include shipping pallets used to transport unpackaged fruits and vegetables. (2) This section does not apply to: (i) Original equipment manufacturer replacement service parts or other products manufactured before January 1, 2011, if the part or products were manufactured in compliance with applicable federal, State, and local laws; and (ii) (1) A vehicle, as defined in Sec. 11-176 of the Transportation Article; (2) An aircraft, as defined in Sec. 5-101 of the Transportation Article; or (3) A product, part, or replacement part for use in a vehicle or aircraft. (b) (1) Beginning on December 31, 2010, a person may not manufacture, lease, sell, or distribute for sale or lease in the State any of the following products that contain more than one-tenth of 1% of decaBDE by mass: (i) Mattresses; (ii) Upholstered furniture designed for residential use; and (iii) Electrical or electronic equipment. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, beginning on December 31, 2012, a person may not manufacture, lease, sell, or distribute for sale or lease in the State any product that contains more than one-tenth of 1% of decaBDE by mass. (3) Paragraph (2) of this subsection does not apply to: (i) Transportation equipment; (ii) Military equipment; or (iii) Components of transportation or military equipment. (c) On or after December 31, 2013, a person may not manufacture, lease, sell, or distribute for sale or lease in the State the following products that contain more than one-tenth of 1% of decaBDE by mass: (1) Transportation equipment; (2) Military equipment; or (3) Components of transportation or military equipment. (d) This section does not prohibit: (1) A retailer that is in possession of a product prohibited for manufacture, lease, sale, or distribution for sale or lease under subsections (b) and (c) of this section from selling, recycling, or otherwise disposing of a product that is in the retailer's or lessor's inventory on or after the date that the prohibition takes effect; (2) A person from recycling a product that contains decaBDE; (3) A person from selling, leasing, recycling, or otherwise disposing of a product that contains recycled decaBDE; (4) Any activity involving a product that contains decaBDE that occurs subsequent to first sale at retail; or (5) A person from transporting or storing a product prohibited under subsections (b) and (c) of this section for later distribution outside the State. #### Section 6-1203 (a) To enforce the provisions of this subtitle, the Department may: (1) Notify a person that there are grounds for suspecting that the person may be in violation of this subtitle; and (2) Request that the person certify that the product or flame-retardant part of the product that the person manufactured, processed, sold, or distributed is in compliance with this subtitle. (b) If the person fails to certify that the product or flame-retardant part of the product is in compliance, the Department may seek an injunction under Sec. 6-1204 of this subtitle. #### Section 6-1204 (a) (1) Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle, including making a false statement in a certificate of compliance, shall be liable to the State for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation, but not exceeding a total of $10,000 for any action. (2) Each product or flame-retardant part of a product in violation constitutes a separate violation. (3) The State shall recover the civil penalties under this subsection in a civil action in any county. (b) Any person who previously has been assessed a civil penalty under this section and who willfully violates any provision of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle, including making a false statement in a certificate of compliance, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $20,000. (c) The Department may seek an injunction against any person who violates or threatens to violate any provision of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle. #### Section 6-1205 The Department may adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this subtitle. ### Subtitle 13. Lead-Containing Children's Products #### Section 6-1301 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Child" means an individual who is under the age of 13 years. (c) (1) "Children's product" means a product designed or intended primarily for a child as specified in federal law. (2) "Children's product" does not include: (i) Food as defined in Sec. 21-101 of the Health - General Article; or (ii) Any component part of a children's product that is not accessible to a child through normal and reasonably foreseeable use and abuse of the product as specified in federal law. (d) "Federal law" means the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 and regulations adopted under the Act. (e) "Lead-containing product" means a product in which any part, component, or coating of the product contains lead or lead compounds greater than the lesser of: (1) (0) 06% by weight of the total weight of the part, component, or coating; or (2) The standard established under federal law regarding the permissible level of lead in children's products. (f) "Manufacturer" means a person that is the brand owner of a product. (g) "Product" includes: (1) Accessories and jewelry; (2) Clothing; (3) Decorative objects; (4) Furniture; (5) Lunch boxes and eating utensils; (6) Toys; and (7) Any other item specified by the Department in regulation. #### Section 6-1302 This subtitle does not apply to: (1) An electronic device that is in compliance with federal law; (2) Any distribution operation or activity performed in a factory, warehouse, or establishment, or, in the course of surface transportation, at a port facility as defined in Sec. 6-101 of the Transportation Article; (3) A vehicle as defined in Sec. 11-176 of the Transportation Article, a product or part for use in a vehicle, or transportation equipment; and (4) A product or material excluded by federal law. #### Section 6-1303 A person may not: (1) Manufacture a children's product that is a lead-containing product; or (2) Sell, offer for sale, import, or distribute, by any means, including through a sales outlet, a catalog, or the Internet, a children's product that is a lead-containing product. #### Section 6-1304 (a) A United States manufacturer, or if the manufacturer is not a United States manufacturer, the importer of record, of a children's product for which a children's product certification is required under federal law shall: (1) Test whether the children's product is a lead-containing product by using a testing entity qualified or certified under federal law; and (2) If the children's product tested under item (1) of this subsection is not a lead-containing product, issue a certificate that certifies that the children's product is not a lead-containing product. (b) A person shall ensure that the certificate issued in accordance with subsection (a) of this section is transmitted with the children's product to any distributor or retailer who receives the children's product. (c) A manufacturer shall: (1) Maintain a copy of any documents related to lead testing and any certificate issued in accordance with subsection (a) of this section; and (2) Provide a copy to the Department or any person on request. (d) A retailer shall: (1) Maintain a copy of any certificate issued in accordance with subsection (a) of this section; and (2) Provide a copy to the Department or any person on request. (e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not sell or offer for sale in the State, by any means, including transactions conducted through a sales outlet, a catalog, or the Internet, a children's product for which there is no certificate issued in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a certificate is not required for the sale of a used children's product at a thrift store, consignment store, yard sale, or any other secondhand point of sale. (f) A certificate issued in accordance with subsection (a) of this section shall be: (1) Based on a test of each children's product or on a testing protocol that is established or recognized by the Department; and (2) On a form created or approved by the Department. #### Section 6-1305 (a) If the Department determines that a person has violated Sec. 6-1303 of this subtitle, the Department shall give written notice to the person determined to have violated Sec. 6-1303 of this subtitle that identifies the children's product that is a lead-containing product. (b) Within 15 days after receiving the written notice required under subsection (a) of this section, the person shall send to the Department the following information: (1) A list of all children's products of the same style produced by the same manufacturer; (2) The name of the manufacturer or seller from whom the person obtained the children's product that is a lead-containing product; and (3) The name of each distributor or retailer to whom the person transferred the children's product that is a lead-containing product of the same style produced by the same manufacturer. #### Section 6-1306 Within 24 hours after a person determines that the person has manufactured, sold, offered for sale, imported, or distributed a children's product in violation of Sec. 6-1303 of this subtitle, the person shall submit a report to the Department in a form required by the Department. #### Section 6-1307 (a) (1) A person who violates this subtitle is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 per day for each violation. (2) The civil penalty under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be assessed and recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction. (b) A person who willfully violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each violation or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both. #### Section 6-1308 (a) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the Comptroller may assess against a person who violates Sec. 6-1304(e) of this subtitle a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each violation, up to a maximum of $50,000. (b) A fine assessed under subsection (a) of this section may not be assessed until the person who committed the violation has been issued three warnings regarding the violation. (c) Each day on which a violation occurs or continues is a separate violation under this section. (d) At the end of each quarter, the Comptroller shall distribute all fines assessed under this section to the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund in a manner determined by the Department and the Comptroller. #### Section 6-1309 In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a violation of this subtitle is: (1) An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article; and (2) Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article. #### Section 6-1310 The Secretary may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle. #### Section 6-1311 The provisions of this subtitle do not affect the authority of a local agency to enforce a local law governing the amount of lead contained in a product if the local law is at least as restrictive as the provisions of this subtitle. ### Subtitle 14. Cadmium in Children's Jewelry #### Section 6-1401 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Cadmium" means elemental cadmium and any compound or alloy that contains cadmium. (c) "Children's jewelry" means any jewelry, including a charm, bracelet, pendant, necklace, earring, or ring, and any component of jewelry, designed or intended to be worn or used by a child under the age of 13 years. #### Section 6-1402 On or after July 1, 2012, a person may not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or distribute in the State any children's jewelry that contains cadmium at more than 0.0075% by weight. #### Section 6-1403 The Department of the Environment may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle. #### Section 6-1404 This subtitle does not apply to any toy regulated for cadmium exposure under the federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. ### Subtitle 15. Lead in Drinking Water #### Section 6-1501 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) (1) "Drinking water outlet" means a potable water fixture that is used for drinking or food preparation. (2) "Drinking water outlet" includes: (i) A water fountain, faucet, or tap that is used or potentially used for drinking or food preparation; and (ii) Ice-making and hot drink machines. (c) "Elevated level of lead" means a lead concentration in drinking water that exceeds 5 parts per billion. (d) "Public water system" has the meaning stated in Sec. 9-401 of this article. (e) (1) "Technical guidance" means the most recent technical guidance issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for reducing lead in drinking water in schools. (2) "Technical guidance" includes: (i) 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools (2006); and (ii) Any subsequent technical guidance issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for reducing lead in drinking water in schools. #### Section 6-1501.1 (a) The General Assembly finds that any exposure to lead in drinking water is dangerous to the health and development of children. (b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that schools work proactively to reduce the concentration of lead in drinking water outlets to a level below 5 parts per billion and that State and federal funds be made available to schools for that purpose. #### Section 6-1502 (a) This section does not apply to a public or nonpublic school that is classified as a public water system. (b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, the Department of General Services, and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, shall adopt regulations to require periodic testing for the presence of lead in each drinking water outlet located in an occupied public or nonpublic school building. (2) Before adopting the regulations required under this section, the Department shall gather information about the testing processes, protocols, and efforts being undertaken by each county school system and private school to establish a safe and lead-free environment, including whether the school system or school has a plan for testing and, if appropriate, remedial measures. (c) Regulations adopted under this section shall: (1) Require initial testing to be conducted on or before July 1, 2018; (2) Phase in the implementation of the required testing beginning with: (i) School buildings constructed before 1988; and (ii) School buildings serving students in a prekindergarten program or any grade from kindergarten through grade 5; (3) Establish a sampling method for the required testing that is consistent with technical guidance; (4) Establish the frequency for the required testing; (5) Address best practices and cost-effective testing; (6) Require test samples from drinking water outlets to be analyzed by an entity approved by the Department; and (7) If an analysis of a test sample indicates an elevated level of lead in a drinking water outlet, require that: (i) The results of the analysis be reported to the Department, the State Department of Education, the Maryland Department of Health, and the appropriate local health department; (ii) Access to the drinking water outlet be closed; (iii) An adequate supply of safe drinking water be provided to school occupants; (iv) Subject to subsection (f) of this section, the school take appropriate remedial measures, including: (1) Permanently shutting or closing off access to the drinking water outlet; (2) Manual or automatic flushing of the drinking water outlet; (3) Installing and maintaining a filter at the drinking water outlet; or (4) Repairing or replacing the drinking water outlet, plumbing, or service line contributing to the elevated level of lead; (v) The school conduct follow-up testing; and (vi) Notice of the elevated level of lead be: (1) Provided to the parent or legal guardian of each student attending the school; and (2) Posted on the website of the school. (d) The Department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, may grant a waiver from the testing required under this section if: (1) (i) The drinking water outlets in the school building have been tested for the presence of lead in a manner that substantially complies with regulations issued under this section; and (ii) The test results indicate no elevated levels of lead in any of the drinking water outlets in the school building; (2) (i) Students in the school building do not have access to any drinking water outlet; and (ii) Bottled water is the only source of water for drinking or food preparation in the school building; (3) A plan is in place for testing the drinking water outlets and addressing any elevated level of lead in a drinking water outlet in the school building in a manner that substantially complies with the regulations required under this section; or (4) The local school system has: (i) Completed comprehensive lead testing of the drinking water from plumbing fixtures; and (ii) A comprehensive monitoring program to ensure safe drinking water in its schools. (e) On or before December 1, 2018, and on or before December 1 each year thereafter, the Department and the State Department of Education jointly shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the findings of the testing required under this section, including: (1) The name and address of each school found to have elevated levels of lead in its drinking water; and (2) The type, location in the building, and use of each drinking water outlet with an elevated level of lead. (f) (1) This subsection applies only to a drinking water outlet for which a test sample analyzed on or before June 1, 2021, indicated a concentration of lead that was more than 5 parts per billion but less than 20 parts per billion. (2) On or before August 1, 2022, a school shall take appropriate measures in accordance with subsection (c)(7)(iv) of this section to remediate an outlet described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. #### Section 6-1503 (a) The Department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, shall establish and administer a grant program to provide grants to local school systems to assist with the costs associated with implementing remedial measures to: (1) Address any findings of elevated levels of lead in drinking water outlets in school buildings; (2) Install drinking water outlets in school buildings that do not have functioning drinking water outlets due to the presence of lead; or (3) Repair, reconfigure, or replace the outlet plumbing or premises plumbing contributing to the presence of lead in drinking water. (b) The Department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, shall: (1) Establish application procedures for the grant program; (2) Require each application to include a plan for implementing remedial measures, including: (i) Whether the location of the lead affecting the drinking water outlet is in the service line, premises plumbing, outlet plumbing, or outlet; and (ii) Costs associated with the plan; (3) Award grants on a competitive basis and based on the availability of funding to each local school system that: (i) Applies for a grant in accordance with this section; and (ii) Demonstrates that the local school system has completed comprehensive testing for the presence of lead in drinking water outlets in school buildings in accordance with Sec. 6-1502 of this subtitle; and (4) Consistent with any applicable federal law or requirement, prioritize applications based on factors determined by the Department, including: (i) The applicant's level of financial need; (ii) The percentage of drinking water outlets that require remediation; and (iii) The cost-effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures, with preference given to proposals for remedial measures that require minimal upkeep, including the installation of water filling stations. (c) (1) If the Department or the State Department of Education receives any federal funding for addressing the presence of lead in drinking water outlets in school buildings, the funding shall be made available to award grants in accordance with this section. (2) In addition to any funding provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection, funding for the grant program consists of: (i) Money appropriated in the State budget for the grant program; and (ii) Any additional money made available to the grant program from any public or private source. (d) The Department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, may adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section. ### Subtitle 16. Pfas Chemicals #### Section 6-1601 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Class B fire-fighting foam" or "foam" means a foam designed for flammable liquid fire. (c) "Intentionally added" means the act of deliberately using a chemical in the formation of a product where the chemical's continued presence is desired in the product to provide a specific characteristic. (d) "Personal protective equipment" means items designed, intended, or marketed to be worn by fire-fighting personnel in the performance of their fire and rescue activities, including jackets, pants, shoes, gloves, helmets, and respiratory equipment. (e) "PFAS chemicals" means, when used in fire-fighting agents, fire-fighting equipment, food packaging, and rugs and carpets, a class of fluorinated organic chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. (f) "Rug or carpet" means a thick fabric used to cover a floor, including: (1) Commercial or residential broadloom carpet; and (2) A pad or an underlayment used in conjunction with a carpet. (g) "Terminal" means: (1) A bulk liquid storage facility exclusively engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of petroleum products, including liquefied petroleum gas, that contains at least one storage tank containing petroleum products with a surface area of 120 square meters or greater; or (2) A facility engaged in the distribution of crude petroleum from extraction or processing facilities that includes at least one storage tank containing crude petroleum with a surface area of 120 square meters or greater. #### Section 6-1602 The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle. #### Section 6-1603 (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, on or after January 1, 2024, a person may not use, manufacture, or knowingly sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale or use Class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals in the State. (b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a person may use, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale or use Class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals in the State: (1) On or before September 30, 2024, if the fire-fighting foam will be used at an airport, a port, a refinery, or a chemical plant; (2) On or before December 31, 2027, if the fire-fighting foam will be used at a terminal; and (3) On or before any applicable date specified in federal law, if the fire-fighting foam will be used by a person that is required to use Class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals. (c) (1) A person that is authorized under subsection (b) of this section to use Class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals: (i) May not release the foam directly into the environment, including through unsealed ground, soakage pits, waterways, or uncontrolled drains; and (ii) Shall: (1) Fully contain all releases on site; (2) Implement containment measures, including bunds and ponds, that are controlled and impervious to PFAS chemicals and do not allow firewater, wastewater, runoff, and other wastes to be released into the environment, including soils, groundwater, waterways, and stormwater; (3) Dispose of all firewater, wastewater, runoff, and other wastes in a way that prevents releases into the environment; (4) Within 5 days after a release in violation of item (i) of this paragraph, report the release to the Department, including information on the identity of the foam, the quantity used, the total PFAS concentration, and the form of any waste that contains PFAS chemicals; and (5) Maintain documentation on any measures taken under this paragraph. (2) (i) In investigating compliance with this subsection, the Department, the Attorney General, a State's Attorney for a county or Baltimore City, a county attorney, or a City Attorney may request documentation maintained under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (ii) A person that receives a request under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall provide the documentation on request. (3) A failure to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection does not preclude the use of Class B fire-fighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals if the failure was a result of factors beyond the control of the person. (d) (1) If a person sells personal protective equipment for fire fighting that contains PFAS chemicals in the State, the person shall provide written notice to the purchaser at the time of the sale that includes: (i) A statement that the personal protective equipment contains PFAS chemicals; and (ii) The reason that the personal protective equipment contains PFAS chemicals. (2) Both the person selling personal protective equipment for fire fighting that contains PFAS chemicals and the purchaser of the personal protective equipment shall retain the notice under paragraph (1) of this subsection for at least 3 years after the date of the sale. (e) (1) On request of a fire department in the State, the Department shall take back from the fire department Class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals. (2) The Department shall dispose of fire-fighting foam received under this subsection in a manner consistent with this subtitle. (3) For fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $500,000 to the Department for the purpose of taking back and disposing of fire-fighting foam under this section. #### Section 6-1604 A person may not dispose of a Class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals: (1) Using incineration, including by burning, combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, thermal oxidation, acid recovery furnace or oxidizer, ore roaster, cement kiln, lightweight aggregate kiln, industrial furnace boiler, and process heater; or (2) In a landfill. #### Section 6-1604.1 (a) This section does not apply to the sale or resale of a used rug or carpet. (b) On or after January 1, 2024, a person may not manufacture or knowingly sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale or use in the State a rug or carpet to which PFAS chemicals have been intentionally added. (c) (1) A person that manufactures a rug or carpet for sale or use in the State shall establish a certificate of compliance to attest that the rug or carpet is in compliance with the requirements of this section. (2) Within 30 days after a request by the Department, a person shall provide the certificate of compliance established under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the Department. #### Section 6-1605 A person who violates this subtitle is subject to: (1) For a first violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $500; and (2) For a second or subsequent violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000. ### Subtitle 16A. Playground Surfacing Materials #### Section 6-16A-01 (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "PFAS chemicals" means a class of fluorinated organic chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. (c) "Playground" means a public outdoor recreation area for children equipped with one or more play structures. (d) "Playground surfacing materials" means products, materials, or substances used or installed on the ground surface of a playground in the State that come into direct contact with a person. #### Section 6-16A-02 (a) Except as provided in this section, this subtitle does not limit the power of a county, municipality, or unit of local government to adopt ordinances, rules, or regulations related to playground surfacing materials that contain PFAS chemicals or lead. (b) A county, municipality, or unit of local government may not adopt any ordinance, rule, or regulation related to playground surfacing materials that contain PFAS chemicals or lead that is less stringent than the requirements of this subtitle. (c) This subtitle does not affect the authority of a county, municipality, or unit of local government to enact and enforce standards or requirements related to playground surfacing materials that contain PFAS chemicals or lead that are more stringent than the requirements of this subtitle. #### Section 6-16A-03 (a) On or after October 1, 2024, a person may not install, supply, sell, solicit, or offer for sale in the State playground surfacing materials that contain: (1) More than 90 parts per million of lead; or (2) A component product, material, or substance to which PFAS chemicals were previously intentionally added in the formation of that component where the continued presence of the PFAS chemicals was desired in the component to provide a specific characteristic. (b) A manufacturer that manufactures, sells, offers for sale, or distributes for use in the State playground surfacing materials shall establish a certificate of compliance to attest that the playground surfacing materials are in compliance with the requirements of this subtitle. (c) On request of the Department and within 30 days after the request is made, a manufacturer shall provide the certificate of compliance established under subsection (b) of this section to the Department. #### Section 6-16A-04 The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle. #### Section 6-16A-05 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the provisions of Sec.Sec. 9-334 through 9-341 and 9-343 through 9-344 of this article apply to enforce violations of: (1) This subtitle; (2) Any regulation adopted under this subtitle; or (3) Any order issued under this subtitle. (b) A person who violates this subtitle is subject to: (1) A civil penalty up to $2,500 for each violation; or (2) An administrative penalty up to $2,500 for each violation, but not exceeding $100,000 total. ### Subtitle 17. Miscellaneous Provisions #### Section 6-1701 (a) In this section, "oriented strand board" means a multilayered board that is: (1) Made from strands of wood, together with a binder, by the application of heat and pressure, with the strands in the external layer primarily oriented along the strength axis of the panel in accordance with the U.S. Department of Commerce Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-18, Performance Standard for Wood Structural Panels; and (2) Intended to be used as a covering material for roofs, subfloors, and walls when fastened to supports. (b) This section does not apply to the manufacture, sale, use, or distribution of products or materials that contain oriented strand board for purposes outside of fire-fighting training purposes. (c) A person may not set on fire or burn oriented strand board for fire-fighting training purposes. (d) A person who violates this section is subject to: (1) For a first violation, an administrative penalty not exceeding $500; and (2) For a second or subsequent violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000. #### Section 6-1702 (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Dampness" means abnormal moisture in the interior of a facility, including: (i) Excessive humidity levels; (ii) Lingering condensation; (iii) Leaks; (iv) Water damage; and (v) Musty or moldy odors. (3) (i) "Mold" means a form of multicellular fungi that lives: (1) On plant or animal matter; or (2) In an indoor environment. (ii) "Mold" includes: (1) Alternaria; (2) Aspergillus; (3) Cladosporium; (4) Fusarium; (5) Memnoniella; (6) Mucor; (7) Penicillium; (8) Stachybotrys chartarum; and (9) Trichoderma. (4) "Mold remediation" means: (i) Removing, cleaning, sanitizing, demolishing, or any other treatment performed to address a mold hazard, mold, or dampness; or (ii) Abatement of the underlying cause of a mold hazard, mold, or dampness. (b) The Department, in coordination with the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Department of Labor, and the Department of General Services, shall develop and update as necessary: (1) A centralized website providing information about mold remediation and dampness; and (2) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, an informational pamphlet on mold that includes: (i) Resources in the State relating to mold; and (ii) How tenants can control mold growth in their unit. (c) Instead of developing a pamphlet under subsection (b)(2) of this section, the Department may use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home" pamphlet. --- Md. Code Ann., Envir. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)