<section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-101" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Department” means the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Emergency” means the imminent threat or occurrence of severe or widespread loss of life, injury, or other health impacts, property damage or destruction, social or economic disruption, or environmental degradation from natural, technological, or human–made causes.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Emergency management” means the planning, implementing, and conducting of risk reduction and consequence management activities across the mission areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery to enhance preparedness, save lives, preserve public health and safety, protect public and private property, and minimize or repair injury and damage that results or may result from emergencies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Emergency management” does not include the preparation for and carrying out of functions in an emergency for which the uniformed services are primarily responsible.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Emergency manager” means an individual whose primary duty of employment is to execute the mission of emergency management.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Local organization for emergency management” means an organization established by a political subdivision or other local authority under § 14–109 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Political subdivision” means a county or municipal corporation of the State.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Emergency Management.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Senior elected official” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the mayor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the county executive;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>for a county that does not have a county executive, the president of the board of county commissioners or county council or other chief executive officer of the county; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>for a municipal corporation that does not have a mayor, the burgess, chairperson, or president of the municipal governing body or other chief executive officer of the municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-102" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>To ensure that the State will be adequately prepared to deal with emergencies, to protect the public peace, health, and safety in the State, to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State, and to ensure the social and economic resilience of the State, it is necessary to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a Maryland Department of Emergency Management;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>authorize the establishment of local organizations for emergency management in the political subdivisions;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>confer on the Governor and on the senior elected officials or governing bodies of the political subdivisions the emergency powers provided in this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide for the rendering of mutual aid among the political subdivisions and with other states in carrying out emergency management functions; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>authorize a comprehensive emergency management system that empowers all State departments and agencies to systematically prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from potential or actual emergencies through risk reduction and consequence management.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is the policy of the State and the purpose of this subtitle to coordinate, to the maximum extent possible, all emergency management functions of the State with the comparable functions of the federal government, other states, political subdivisions, other localities, and private agencies, so that the most effective preparation and use may be made of the resources and facilities available for dealing with any potential or actual emergency.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>It is the policy of the State that the initial governmental authority and responsibility for emergency management activities and operations be placed at the local level.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State shall prepare for emergency management activities and operations and coordinate activity in support of the response, but may not preempt local authority for responding to an emergency unless:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>the emergency involves more than one political subdivision; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one or more of the political subdivisions involved makes a request for State–level authority to coordinate or intervene;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the political subdivision or subdivisions in which the emergency occurs issues a request from the senior elected official for the State to assume authority for the emergency;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>evidence exists that the political subdivision is overwhelmed by the emergency; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Governor or the Governor’s designee determines that additional resources are necessary to protect the public interest.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-103" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Department of Emergency Management established as a principal department of the Executive Branch of State government.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department has primary responsibility and authority for developing emergency management policies and is responsible for coordinating disaster risk reduction, consequence management, and disaster recovery activities.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may act to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>reduce the disaster risk and vulnerability of persons and property located in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>develop and coordinate emergency planning and preparedness; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>coordinate emergency management activities and operations:</text> <level label="i"> <text>relating to an emergency that involves two or more State agencies;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>between State agencies and political subdivisions;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>with local governments;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>with agencies of the federal government and other states; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>with private and nonprofit entities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement and enforce this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-104" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The head of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management is the Secretary of Emergency Management, who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serves without a fixed term and may be removed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>shall devote full time to the duties assigned to the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary is responsible to the Governor for carrying out the State emergency management program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Governor has formally declared the threat or occurrence of an emergency, the Secretary shall coordinate the activities of all organizations for emergency management operations in the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary, in collaboration with other public and private agencies in the State, shall develop or cause to be developed mutual aid agreements for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance in case of emergency of an extreme nature that affects two or more political subdivisions.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary shall maintain liaison and cooperate with emergency management agencies and organizations of other states and the federal government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary may employ personnel in accordance with the State budget and subject to the conditions and limitations of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary may make expenditures within the appropriations in the State budget or from other money made available to the Secretary for purposes of emergency management as necessary to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-104.1" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Community sewerage system” has the meaning stated in § 9–501 of the Environment Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Community water system” has the meaning stated in § 9–401 of the Environment Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Crisis and emergency risk communication plan” means a plan for communicating during an emergency.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Local government” includes local school systems, local school boards, and local health departments.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Unit” means the Cyber Preparedness Unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Cyber Preparedness Unit in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In coordination with the State Chief Information Security Officer, the Unit shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>develop and regularly update an online database of cybersecurity training resources for local government personnel, including technical training resources, cybersecurity continuity of operations templates, and consequence management plans;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>assist local governments in the development of cybersecurity preparedness and response plans, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>implementing best practices and guidance developed by the State Chief Information Security Officer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identifying and acquiring resources to complete appropriate cybersecurity vulnerability assessments; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>providing guidance to local emergency management organizations for incidents against water and wastewater facilities;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>connect local governments to appropriate resources for any other purpose related to cybersecurity preparedness and response;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>as necessary and in coordination with the National Guard, local emergency managers, and other State and local entities, conduct regional cybersecurity preparedness exercises;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>establish regional assistance groups to deliver and coordinate support services to local governments, agencies, or regions; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>develop guidance for crisis and emergency risk communication for local emergency management organizations in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Unit shall support the Office of Security Management in the Department of Information Technology during emergency response efforts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each local government shall report a cybersecurity incident, including an attack on a State system being used by the local government, to the appropriate local emergency manager and the State Security Operations Center in the Department of Information Technology and to the Maryland Joint Operations Center in the Department in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For the reporting of cybersecurity incidents under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the State Chief Information Security Officer shall determine:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the criteria for determining when an incident must be reported;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the manner in which to report; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the time period within which a report must be made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Security Operations Center shall immediately notify appropriate agencies of a cybersecurity incident reported under this subsection through the State Security Operations Center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Five Position Identification Numbers (PINs) shall be created for the purpose of hiring staff to conduct the duties of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management Cybersecurity Preparedness Unit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$220,335 for 3 PINs for Administrator III positions; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$137,643 for 2 PINs for Administrator II positions.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall include cybersecurity attack information on the Department’s website.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-104.2" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Fund” means the Local Cybersecurity Support Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Local government” includes local school systems, local school boards, and local health departments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Local Cybersecurity Support Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide financial assistance to local governments to improve cybersecurity preparedness, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>updating current devices and networks with the most up–to–date cybersecurity protections;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>supporting the purchase of new hardware, software, devices, and firewalls to improve cybersecurity preparedness;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>recruiting and hiring information technology staff focused on cybersecurity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>paying outside vendors for cybersecurity staff training;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>conducting cybersecurity vulnerability assessments;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>addressing high–risk cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified by vulnerability assessments;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>implementing and maintaining integrators and other similar intelligence sharing infrastructure that enable connection with the Information Sharing and Analysis Center in the Department of Information Technology; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>supporting the security of local wastewater treatment plants, including bicounty, county, and municipal plants, by acquiring or implementing cybersecurity–related upgrades to the plants; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>assist local governments applying for federal cybersecurity preparedness grants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>interest earnings; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Fund may be used only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to provide financial assistance to local governments to improve cybersecurity preparedness, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>updating current devices and networks with the most up–to–date cybersecurity protections;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>supporting the purchase of new hardware, software, devices, and firewalls to improve cybersecurity preparedness;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>recruiting and hiring information technology staff focused on cybersecurity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>paying outside vendors for cybersecurity staff training;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>conducting cybersecurity vulnerability assessments;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>addressing high–risk cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified by vulnerability assessments;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>implementing or maintaining integrators and other similar intelligence sharing infrastructure that enable connection with the Information Sharing and Analysis Center in the Department of Information Technology; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>supporting the security of local wastewater treatment plants, including bicounty, county, and municipal plants, by acquiring or implementing cybersecurity–related upgrades to the plants;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to assist local governments applying for federal cybersecurity preparedness grants; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>for administrative expenses associated with providing the assistance described under item (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To be eligible to receive assistance from the Fund, a local government shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide proof to the Department of Information Technology that the local government conducted a cybersecurity preparedness assessment in the previous 12 months; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>within 12 months undergo a cybersecurity preparedness assessment provided by, in accordance with the preference of the local government:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Department of Information Technology at a cost to the local government that does not exceed the cost to the Department of Information Technology of providing the assessment; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a vendor authorized by the Department of Information Technology to complete cybersecurity preparedness assessments.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-105" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Emergency Management Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council consists of the members that the Governor designates, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fair and reasonable representation for local government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>representation for organizations that represent volunteer firefighters and rescue squads; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>representation from manufacturing, utilities, and communications industries.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member of the Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation for service on the Council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Council shall advise the Governor on all matters that relate to emergency management.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before December 31, 2005, and on or before December 1 of each year thereafter, the Council shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly concerning its activities and recommendations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-106" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has control of and is responsible for the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is responsible for carrying out this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the event of the threat or occurrence of an emergency, the Governor may assume direct operational control over all or part of an emergency management function created or authorized by this subtitle and Subtitles 2 and 4 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor may delegate the powers the Governor sees fit to an individual who is employed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in the Executive Department of State government;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>as a secretary of a principal department; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>as the head of an independent State agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In performing duties under this subtitle, the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may cooperate with the federal government, other states, and private agencies in all matters that relate to the emergency management operations of this State and the United States;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may issue orders, rules, and regulations necessary or desirable to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>carry out this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>prepare and revise, as necessary, a comprehensive plan and program for the emergency management operations of this State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>integrate the plan and program of this State with the emergency management operations plans of the federal government and other states; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>coordinate the preparation of plans and programs for emergency management operations by the political subdivisions;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may authorize the procurement of supplies and equipment, the institution of training programs including the process for licensing, certifying, or credentialing health care practitioners developed under § 18-903(c) of the Health - General Article, public information programs, and other steps to prepare for an emergency;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>may authorize studies and surveys of industries, resources, and facilities in the State as necessary or desirable to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>ascertain the State’s capabilities for emergency management operations; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>prepare plans for the emergency management of resources in accordance with the national plan for emergency preparedness;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>may appoint, in cooperation with local authorities, directors of local organizations for emergency management, may delegate to the directors any administrative authority vested in the Governor under this subtitle, and may provide for the subdelegation of that authority; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>may delegate the Governor’s authority under this subsection to an individual who is employed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in the Executive Department of State government;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>as a secretary of a principal department; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>as the head of an independent State agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to emergency prevention measures included in the State, local, and interjurisdictional emergency plans, the Governor shall consider, on a continuing basis, steps that could be taken to prevent or reduce the harmful consequences of potential emergencies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>At the direction of the Governor, and in accordance with any other authority and competence they have, State agencies shall study matters related to emergency prevention.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>State agencies required to study matters related to emergency prevention include those charged with responsibilities in connection with flood plain management, stream encroachment and flow regulation, weather modification, fire prevention and control, air quality, public works, land use and land-use planning, and construction standards.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-107" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Governor finds that an emergency has developed or is impending due to any cause, the Governor shall declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The state of emergency continues until the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>finds that the threat or danger has passed or the emergency has been dealt with to the extent that emergency conditions no longer exist; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>terminates the state of emergency by executive order or proclamation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A state of emergency may not continue for longer than 30 days unless the Governor renews the state of emergency.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The General Assembly by joint resolution may terminate a state of emergency at any time.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>After the General Assembly terminates a state of emergency, the Governor shall issue an executive order or proclamation that terminates the state of emergency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each executive order or proclamation that declares or terminates a state of emergency shall indicate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the nature of the emergency;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the area threatened; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the conditions that have brought about the state of emergency or that make possible the termination of the state of emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each executive order or proclamation shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>disseminated promptly by means calculated to publicize its contents; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>unless prevented or impeded by the circumstances of the emergency, filed promptly with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the State Archives; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the chief local records–keeping agency in the area to which the executive order or proclamation applies.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>After the Governor declares a state of emergency, the Secretary shall coordinate the activities of the agencies of the State and of those political subdivisions included in the declaration in all actions that serve to prevent or alleviate the ill effects of the imminent or actual emergency.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An executive order or proclamation that declares a state of emergency:</text> <level label="i"> <text>activates the emergency response and recovery aspects of the State and local emergency plans applicable to the political subdivision or area covered by the declaration; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is authority for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the deployment and use of resources to which the State or local plans apply; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the use or distribution of supplies, equipment, materials, and facilities assembled, stockpiled, or arranged to be made available in accordance with this subtitle or any other law that relates to emergencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>After declaring a state of emergency, the Governor, if the Governor finds it necessary in order to protect the public health, welfare, or safety, may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>suspend the effect of any statute or rule or regulation of an agency of the State or a political subdivision;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from a stricken or threatened area in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>set evacuation routes and the modes of transportation to be used during an emergency;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>direct the control of ingress to and egress from an emergency area, the movement of individuals in the area, and the occupancy of premises in the area;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>authorize the use of private property, in which event the owner of the property shall be compensated for its use and for any damage to the property;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>provide for temporary housing; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>authorize the clearance and removal of debris and wreckage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The powers of the Governor under this subsection are in addition to any other authority vested in the Governor by law.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-108" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>After a state of emergency is declared in another state and the Governor receives a written request for assistance from the executive authority of that state, the Governor may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>authorize use in the other state of personnel, equipment, supplies, or materials of this State, or of a political subdivision with the consent of the executive officer or governing body of the political subdivision; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>suspend the effect of any statute or rule or regulation of an agency of the State or, after consulting with the executive officer or governing body of a political subdivision, a rule or regulation of an agency of a political subdivision, if the Governor finds that the suspension is necessary to aid the other state with its emergency management functions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall authorize the use of resources or the suspension of the effect of any statute, rule, or regulation under subsection (a) of this section by executive order.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An executive order issued under this section may not continue for longer than 30 days unless the Governor renews the executive order.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each executive order issued under this section shall indicate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the nature of the emergency in the other state; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any circumstances that make suspension of a statute, rule, or regulation necessary to aid the other state with its emergency management functions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Each executive order shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>disseminated promptly by means calculated to publicize its contents; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>filed promptly with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the State Archives; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>each agency of the State or a political subdivision that is authorized by the order to use resources in the other state or responsible for the enforcement of any provisions that are suspended by the executive order.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-109" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Each political subdivision shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a local organization for emergency management in accordance with the State emergency management plan and program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>participate in federal programs for emergency management.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On recommendation of the mayor, executive, or governing body of the political subdivision, the Governor shall appoint a director of emergency management for each local organization for emergency management.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each director of a local organization for emergency management is directly responsible for the organization, administration, and operation of the local organization for emergency management.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each director of a local organization for emergency management is subject to the direction and control of the mayor, executive, or governing body of the political subdivision, under the general power of the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the budget of the political subdivision, each local organization for emergency management shall include those programs and positions recommended periodically by the Department to meet federal and State standards.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In a county in which there is a local merit system or classified service for the general employees of the county, the employees and officers of the local organization for emergency management are included in and subject to all rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of that system or service.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply to the director of the local organization for emergency management.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If a county does not have a local merit system or classified service, the governing body of the county, or the board of estimates of Baltimore City, may include by regulation the employees and officers of the local organization for emergency management in the classified service of the State Personnel Management System.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply to the director of the local organization for emergency management.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, during the effective period of the regulation the employees and officers are subject to the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of Division I of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The governing body of the county or the Mayor of Baltimore is the appointing officer under Division I of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Paragraph (3) of this subsection does not remove from the governing body of a county or from the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore the power to establish and regulate the compensation, vacation allowance, or sick leave of all employees and officers of the local organization for emergency management in the county or Baltimore City.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each political subdivision may make appropriations in the manner provided by law to pay the expenses of its local organization for emergency management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-110" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each county shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>prepare an Emergency Preparedness Plan for responding to an emergency that involves hazardous materials or controlled hazardous substances, as defined in the Environment Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>review the Plan annually and submit any changes to the Secretary so that the Secretary may maintain current and accurate information about the Plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each county shall submit its Emergency Preparedness Plan to the Secretary on or before October 1, 1998.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A local organization for emergency management shall submit to the Secretary a radiological emergency response plan if the political subdivision in which the local organization for emergency management is located:</text> <level label="i"> <text>falls within the plume or ingestion zone of a commercial nuclear reactor; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>might reasonably be expected to host evacuees from another jurisdiction in a plume or ingestion zone.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The radiological emergency response plan shall provide for the evacuation of the residents of the political subdivision as a result of an emergency caused by a dangerous release of radiation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-110.1" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “human service facility” means a facility licensed by the State that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a nursing home, as defined in § 19–1401 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an assisted living facility, as defined in § 19–1801 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a hospital, as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a related institution as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a State–operated institution for mental disease;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a group home as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>an alternative living unit as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>a State residential center as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A human service facility shall develop an emergency plan.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An emergency plan shall include procedures that will be followed before, during, and after an emergency to address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the evacuation, transportation, or shelter–in–place of individuals served by the human service facility;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the notification to families, staff, and licensing authorities regarding the action that will be taken concerning the safety and well–being of the individuals served by the human service facility;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>staff coverage, organization, and assignment of responsibilities; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the continuity of operations, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>procuring essential goods, equipment, and services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>relocation to alternate facilities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not prohibit a human service facility from applying for and receiving reimbursement:</text> <level label="i"> <text>under any applicable insurance policy; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>from any State or federal funds that may be available due to a declared State or federal emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A human service facility is solely responsible for any financial obligation arising from voluntary or mandatory activation of any aspect of the emergency plan developed by the human service facility under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before November 30, 2007, a State agency that is responsible for the licensing of a human service facility shall adopt regulations governing the development of emergency plans under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Regulations adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be developed in consultation with representatives of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland Emergency Management Agency;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>local organizations for emergency management; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>human service facilities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>For purposes of coordinating local emergency planning efforts, a human service facility shall provide access to the emergency plans developed under this section to local organizations for emergency management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-110.2" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <text>A public library shall be designated as providing an essential community service during an emergency as described under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program provisions relating to federal disaster assistance and temporary relocation facilities.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-110.3" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “kidney dialysis center” has the meaning stated in § 19–3B–01 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A kidney dialysis center shall have an emergency plan.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An emergency plan shall include policies and procedures that will be followed before, during, and after an emergency to address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the safe management of individuals who are receiving services at the kidney dialysis center when an emergency occurs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>notification of patients, families, staff, and licensing authorities regarding actions that will be taken concerning the provision of dialysis services to the individuals served by the kidney dialysis center;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>staff coverage, organization, and assignment of responsibilities; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the continuity of operations, including procedures to secure access to essential goods, equipment, and dialysis services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not prohibit a kidney dialysis center from applying for and receiving reimbursement:</text> <level label="i"> <text>under any applicable insurance policy; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>from any State or federal funds that may be available due to a declared State or federal emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A kidney dialysis center is solely responsible for any financial obligation arising from voluntary or mandatory activation of any aspect of the emergency plan developed by the kidney dialysis center under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For purposes of coordinating local emergency planning efforts, a kidney dialysis center shall provide access to the emergency plans developed under this section to local organizations for emergency management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-110.4" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Fund” means the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“STORM Act” means the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide loans for resilience projects that address mitigation of all hazards, including natural disasters.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund may be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to provide low– or no–interest loans to local governments and nonprofit organizations for resilience projects; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for the administration and management of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On application of a local governing body, loans from the Fund may be made directly to local governments, at least in part, to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>meet federal matching requirements for federal resilience grant programs, including Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities, Flood Mitigation Assistance, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Mitigation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Flood Risk Management Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>On application of a local governing body, the Department may loan funds to local governments for the purpose of local governments offering loan funds to private property owners to use for hazard mitigation projects for a building.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Hazard mitigation projects for private property owners may include wind retrofits, flood mitigation elevation, floodproofing, wildland fire retrofit mitigation, and earthquake retrofit mitigation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Repayment of a loan provided under paragraph (3) of this subsection by a local government to a private property owner may be collected in the same manner as property taxes.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A property owner may sell a property after receiving a loan under paragraph (3) of this subsection if the property owner repays the loan or the new owner agrees in writing to assume the obligation for repayment of the loan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The loans provided under this subsection shall be for a fixed loan period.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department shall prioritize making loans to projects it determines to have the greatest impact on eliminating hazards.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that shall be available in perpetuity for the purpose of providing loans in accordance with the provisions of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>investment and interest earnings of the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>repayments of principal and interest from loans made from the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>money received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Private funds received by the Fund for the purpose of hazard mitigation projects for a building shall be used only for hazard mitigation projects for a building.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>Money expended from the Fund is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated to local governments for resilience projects.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department, taking into consideration requirements from the STORM Act, shall establish application procedures and eligibility criteria for loans from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The eligibility criteria shall require that a local government or a nonprofit organization demonstrate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>need for a loan to address hazard mitigation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the ability to repay the loan, if required, at a later date.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>Local governments that provide loans to private property owners may establish a graduated loan forgiveness program for private property owners.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A graduated loan forgiveness program shall, at a minimum:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide full loan forgiveness for households with between 50% and 80% of the median income for the area in which the property to which the loan applies is located;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide 50% loan forgiveness for households with 80% to 100% of the median income for the area in which the property to which the loan applies is located; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>provide additional loan forgiveness percentages for households with incomes not within 50% to 100% of the median income for the area in which the property to which the loan applies is located based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the number of private property owners with outstanding loans;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the availability of funding; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any other facts the local government finds reasonable and necessary.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-110.5" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Fund” means the State Disaster Recovery Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Local Disaster Declaration” means a formal request for State disaster relief and recovery assistance made as a result of an emergency by the senior elected official through the local organization for emergency management.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a State Disaster Recovery Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>disaster recovery assistance to individuals and families when a unit of local government has submitted a request for a disaster declaration but a federal disaster declaration is not received;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>disaster recovery assistance to units of local government of the State for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility damaged or destroyed when a federal disaster declaration is not received;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>low–interest or no–interest loans to businesses and nonprofits for disaster recovery assistance when a federal disaster declaration is not received;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>disaster–related assistance for unmet needs of individuals and families following a federal disaster declaration;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>disaster–related assistance for unmet needs of individuals and families who have been denied federal assistance but otherwise meet criteria established for the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>matching funds for assistance to individuals and State and local governmental units after a federal disaster declaration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall be available in perpetuity for the purpose of providing disaster recovery assistance in accordance with the provisions of this section;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, may be used only if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Governor has declared a State of Emergency; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a local organization for emergency management requests assistance from the Fund;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>is not intended to duplicate or replace federal disaster assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>may not be used for any other purpose other than those described in this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A portion of the Fund may be used to administer the Fund, including providing disaster case management resources.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund shall consist of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>money transferred to the Fund from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Catastrophic Event Account in accordance with § 7–324 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Revenue Stabilization Account in accordance with § 7–311 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>repayments of principal and interest from loans made from the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>reimbursements from the federal government or other legal entities for disaster recovery assistance expenditures made from the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>interest earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Any funds expended from the Fund are supplemental to and are not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated to eligible recipients from the Fund for any other purpose.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>administer the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish eligibility criteria, policies, and procedures for the administration of the Fund, while considering existing State disaster recovery programs and federal disaster relief and recovery requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>consult with appropriate State agencies and local organizations for emergency management in the development of eligibility criteria, policies, and procedures for administration of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Department may establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>regulations related to the administration of the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>accounts and sub–accounts within the Fund to effectuate the purposes of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>formal advisory bodies to advise on the administration of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 31, 2023, and on or before each December 31 thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the use of the Fund for the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the number of State of Emergency declarations by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the number of local State of Emergency declarations and local disaster declarations submitted to the Secretary and the reason for each declaration;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a summary of the damage assessment data related to each declaration, and the disposition of each request for the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the amount of funding distributed to each eligible entity by the Fund for the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the Fund balance at the end of the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>any federal disaster declarations requested and associated damage assessment data for the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>a summary of any federal disaster assistance received during the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>a summary of any regulations issued related to the Fund during the previous fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>any recommended changes to this section to increase the efficiency and efficacy of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-111" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Only the principal executive officer of a political subdivision may declare a local state of emergency.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except with the consent of the governing body of the political subdivision, a local state of emergency may not continue or be renewed for longer than 30 days.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An order or proclamation that declares, continues, or terminates a local state of emergency shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>given prompt and general publicity; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>filed promptly with the chief local records–keeping agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Declaration of a local state of emergency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>activates the response and recovery aspects of any applicable local state of emergency plan; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>authorizes the provision of aid and assistance under the applicable plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-112" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Expenditures necessitated by emergencies shall first be made using money regularly appropriated to State and local agencies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Governor finds that regularly appropriated money is inadequate to cope with an emergency, the Board of Public Works may make contingency money available in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>accept any allotment of federal money and commodities and manage and dispose of them in whatever manner may be required by federal law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>take advantage of the federal Disaster Relief Act of 1974 and any amendments or supplements to it, and any other federal law that provides grants and public assistance for the purposes of this subtitle and Subtitles 2 and 4 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In carrying out this subtitle, the Governor, Secretary, and executive officers or governing bodies of the political subdivisions shall use the services, equipment, supplies, and facilities of existing agencies and units of the State and the political subdivisions to the maximum extent practicable.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The officers and personnel of the agencies and units of the State and the political subdivisions shall cooperate with and extend services and facilities to the Governor, Adjutant General, Secretary, and the local organizations for emergency management on request.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the direction of the Governor, the Maryland National Guard shall use its services, equipment, supplies, and facilities in life–threatening emergencies that are beyond the capabilities of local authorities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the federal government, another state, or an agency or officer of the federal government or another state offers to this State or a political subdivision services, equipment, supplies, materials, or money by way of gift, grant, or loan for purposes of emergency management, the State acting through the Governor, or the political subdivision acting with the consent of the Governor and through its executive officer or governing body, may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>accept the offer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>authorize an officer of this State or the political subdivision to receive the services, equipment, supplies, materials, or money.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a person offers to the State or a political subdivision aid or assistance, the State or political subdivision may accept the aid and assistance in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-113" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Each emergency management agency established under this subtitle and its officers shall execute and enforce the orders, rules, and regulations made by the Governor under authority of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>With respect to the threat or occurrence of an enemy attack, act of terrorism, or public health catastrophe, each law enforcement officer of the State or a political subdivision and each health officer of a political subdivision shall execute and enforce the orders, rules, and regulations made by the Governor under authority of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-114" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not violate an order, rule, or regulation issued under the authority of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-115" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Emergency Management Act.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-116" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “principal department” means a principal department of the Executive Branch of State Government established in § 8–201 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each principal department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>develop a continuity of operations plan to maintain department operations if an emergency or other crisis disrupts normal operations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>annually update the continuity of operations plan; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>submit the continuity of operations plan and updates to the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each continuity of operations plan shall include information regarding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the delineation of essential functions;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the delegation of authority;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the safekeeping of and access to essential records, including electronic records;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>continuity locations;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>continuity communications;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>human resources planning;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>devolution of essential functions;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>reconstitution; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>program validation through testing, training, and exercises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall develop guidelines and serve as the coordinating agency to assist each principal department to write and maintain a continuity of operations plan.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department may resolve conflicts between principal department continuity of operations plans.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To ensure the State can continue to provide essential government functions during and after an emergency, the Department shall work with each principal department to develop and maintain a continuity of government plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The continuity of government plan shall include the continuity of operations for essential government functions as identified by the principal departments.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>present the continuity of government plan to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly by the end of the first calendar year of each gubernatorial term; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>review for revision the continuity of government plan at least once every 4 years.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-117" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Emergency Management Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only when the Governor or the head of a unit authorizes an emergency procurement during a state of emergency in order to prepare for or address the state of emergency under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>§ 14–106(b)(3) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>§ 13–108(a) of the State Finance and Procurement Article; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other law that grants the Governor authority to authorize an emergency procurement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When the Governor or the head of a unit authorizes an emergency procurement, within 72 hours after the earlier of the execution of the contract or the expenditure of funds, the Governor or head of the unit shall provide written notice to the Legislative Policy Committee, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the name, business address, and, if applicable, website address of the vendor and the dollar value of the contract;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a description of how the funds are to be used; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an explanation of the reasons the procurement is necessary to prepare for or address the emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After an emergency procurement contract is executed under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>if requested by the Legislative Policy Committee, the Governor or head of the unit shall provide a copy of the contract to the Legislative Policy Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Legislative Policy Committee may request that the Office of Legislative Audits conduct an audit of the emergency procurement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only when the Governor suspends the effect of a statute or rule or regulation of an agency of the State or a political subdivision during a state of emergency under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>§ 14–107(d)(1)(i) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>§ 14–108(a)(2) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other provision that grants the Governor authority to suspend the effect of any statute or rule or regulation of an agency of the State or a political subdivision during a state of emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 72 hours after suspending the effect of a statute or rule or regulation, the Governor shall provide written notice to the Legislative Policy Committee that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>identifies the statute or rule or regulation being suspended; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>explains the reasons that suspending the statute or rule or regulation is necessary to address the emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>When the Governor suspends the effect of a regulation, the Governor shall also provide the notice required under paragraph (2) of this subsection to the Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review Committee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor may not suspend the effect of this section under:</text> <level label="1"> <text>§ 14–107(d)(1)(i) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>§ 14–108(a)(2) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any other law that grants the Governor authority to suspend the effect of any statute during a state of emergency.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-201" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Court” means a court of competent jurisdiction of the State, whether or not a court of record.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Person in emergency management service” means a person who, during the emergency period to which this subtitle is applicable, is a member of or works for the Department or a local emergency management organization.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Person suffering injury or damage” means a person who, during the emergency period to which this subtitle is applicable:</text> <level label="1"> <text>suffers serious personal injury;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>suffers extensive damage to property owned by the person; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>has an immediate family member who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>dies;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>suffers serious personal injury; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>suffers extensive damage to property owned by the family member.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-202" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>The purposes of this subtitle are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to provide for, strengthen, and expedite national defense when emergency conditions threaten the peace and security of the United States and the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to enable the State to fulfill more successfully the requirements of national defense.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To achieve these purposes, this subtitle temporarily suspends:</text> <level label="1"> <text>enforcement of civil liabilities against persons in emergency management service to enable them to devote their entire energy to the emergency management needs of the State and the United States;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>enforcement of civil liabilities against persons suffering injury or damage to enable them to devote their entire energy to the cure or improvement of the injuries or damage suffered; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>legal proceedings and transactions that may prejudice the civil rights of persons in emergency management service or persons suffering injury or damage during the emergency period to which this subtitle is applicable.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-203" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle applies to proceedings in any court.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle applies only during the effective period of an official proclamation by the Governor that declares a stated area to be within an actual or threatened emergency or disaster area.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-204" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle shall be enforced in accordance with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the usual procedures of the court in which the proceedings are pending; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the rules adopted by the court in which the proceedings are pending.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If this subtitle requires that a motion be filed in a court in which no proceeding is pending with respect to the matter, the motion may be filed in any court.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-205" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>If in accordance with this subtitle a court stays, postpones, or suspends the enforcement of an obligation or liability, the prosecution of a suit or proceeding, the entry or enforcement of an order, writ, judgment, or decree, or the performance of any other act, the court may also grant the same stay, postponement, or suspension to a surety, guarantor, endorser, or other person subject to the same obligation or liability, the performance or enforcement of which is stayed, postponed, or suspended.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If in accordance with this subtitle a court vacates or sets aside all or part of a judgment or decree, the court may also vacate or set aside all or part of the judgment or decree as to a surety, guarantor, endorser, or other person liable under the contract or liability for the enforcement of which the judgment or decree was entered.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-206" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, if in a proceeding to enforce a civil right in a court the court finds that an interest, property, or contract was transferred or acquired with intent to delay the just enforcement of the civil right by taking advantage of this subtitle, the court shall enter an appropriate judgment or issue an appropriate order.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On its own initiative or otherwise, a court may revoke, modify, or extend an interlocutory order issued by the court under this subtitle on notice to the affected parties as the court requires.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-207" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The period during which a person is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage is not included in computing any period of limitations applicable to bringing an action by or against:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the person in emergency management service;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the person suffering injury or damage; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an heir, executor, administrator, or assign of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person in emergency management service; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection applies whether the cause of action accrues before the person becomes, or during the period that the person is, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If a person in emergency management service is reported missing, the person is presumed to continue to be a person in emergency management service until the person is accounted for.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a person suffering injury or damage is reported missing, the person is presumed to continue to be a person suffering injury or damage until the person is accounted for.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A period of limitations that begins or ends with the death of a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage does not begin or end until the death:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is in fact confirmed; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is found by a court.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-208" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a court enters judgment in a proceeding in any court in which the defendant fails to appear:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the plaintiff shall file in the court an affidavit that sets forth facts that show that the defendant is not a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if the plaintiff is unable to file an affidavit in accordance with item (i) of this paragraph, the plaintiff shall file an affidavit that states that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the defendant is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the plaintiff is unable to determine whether the defendant is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the plaintiff does not file an affidavit in accordance with paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, judgment may not be entered until the court:</text> <level label="i"> <text>orders entry of the judgment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>appoints an attorney to represent the defendant in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The court on motion shall appoint an attorney to represent the defendant and to protect the defendant’s interests, if the defendant is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Unless the court finds that the defendant is not a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage, the court before entering judgment may require that the plaintiff file a bond approved by the court to indemnify the defendant against any loss or damage that the defendant may suffer because of the judgment if all or part of the judgment is later set aside.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The court may issue any other order or enter any judgment that the court considers necessary to protect the rights of the defendant under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage is party to a proceeding and does not personally appear in the proceeding or is not represented by an authorized attorney, the court may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>appoint an attorney to represent the person;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>require a bond to be filed like the bond required under subsection (a)(4) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>issue an order to protect the rights of the person.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An attorney appointed under this subsection may not waive any right of the person for whom the attorney is appointed or bind the person by the attorney’s acts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Not later than 90 days after a defendant ceased to be a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage, the defendant or legal representative of the defendant may file with the court that entered a judgment against the defendant in a proceeding subject to this section a motion to open the judgment against the defendant if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the judgment was entered during the period that the defendant was, or within 30 days after the defendant ceased to be, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the court finds that the defendant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>was prejudiced in defending against the action because the person was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has a meritorious or legal defense against all or part of the action in which the judgment was entered.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Vacating, setting aside, or reversing a judgment because of this subtitle does not impair any right or title acquired by a bona fide purchaser for value under the judgment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>At any stage of a proceeding in a court in which a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage is a plaintiff or defendant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>on its own initiative the court may stay the proceeding; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the court shall stay the proceeding on motion by the person in emergency management service, person suffering injury or damage, or another person acting on behalf of that person.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A proceeding may be stayed under this subsection during the period that the plaintiff or defendant is, or within 60 days after the plaintiff or defendant ceased to be, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The court need not issue a stay under this subsection if the court finds that being a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage did not materially affect the ability of the plaintiff to prosecute the action or the ability of the defendant to conduct a defense.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-209" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>If an action for compliance with the terms of a contract is stayed under this subtitle, a fine or penalty does not accrue because of failure to comply with the terms of the contract during the period of the stay.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A court may provide relief against the enforcement of a fine or penalty for nonperformance of a contract if the court finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a person failed to perform an obligation and a fine or penalty for nonperformance was incurred;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the fine or penalty was incurred during the period that the person was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the ability of the person to pay the fine or penalty or perform the obligation was materially impaired because the person was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-210" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>In a proceeding in a court against a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on its own initiative the court may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>stay the execution of a judgment or order entered against the person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>vacate or stay an attachment or garnishment of property, money, or debts held by another person, whether before or after judgment; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to subsection (c) of this section, on motion of the person in emergency management service, person suffering injury or damage, or another person acting on behalf of that person, the court shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>stay the execution of a judgment or order entered against the person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>vacate or stay an attachment or garnishment of property, money, or debts held by another person, whether before or after judgment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies to a proceeding in a court before or during the period that the person is, or within 60 days after the person ceased to be, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The court need not vacate or stay a judgment or order entered or sought under this section if the court finds that the ability of the defendant to comply with the judgment or order entered or sought was not materially affected because the defendant was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-211" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided, a court under this subtitle may stay an action, proceeding, attachment, or execution:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for all or part of the period during which a person is, and for 3 months after the person ceased to be, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to the terms that the court considers just, including payment in installments in the amounts and at the times set by the court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the court may allow a plaintiff to proceed against a co-defendant of a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-212" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>Except by order of court in a proceeding affecting the right of possession, an action for eviction or distress may not be brought against a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the rent for the premises does not exceed $150 per month; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the premises are occupied for dwelling purposes by the spouse, children, or other dependents of the person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In a proceeding affecting the right of possession:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>on its own initiative the court may stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on motion the court shall stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the court may issue any other order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The court need not stay the action if the court finds that the ability of a tenant to pay the agreed rent was not materially affected because the tenant was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-213" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>For nonpayment of an installment due under a contract for the purchase of real or personal property or a contract of lease or bailment with the option to purchase the property, a person or the person’s assignee may not exercise a right or option under the contract to rescind or terminate the contract or resume possession of the property if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the person or the person’s assignee received under the contract a deposit or installment of the purchase price of the property from another person or the assignee of that person who, after making the deposit or installment, became a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the attempt to exercise the right or option under the contract occurred while the person who made the deposit or installment was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if a court allows the person or the person’s assignee to exercise the right or option under the contract.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subsection does not prevent the parties to a contract or their assignees from mutually agreeing in an executed writing, after the making of the contract and during or after the period that a party to the contract is a person in emergency management service, to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>modify, terminate, or cancel the contract; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>repossess or retain the property purchased or received by that party under the contract.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>After a hearing on the action:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the court may order the repayment of all or part of any prior installment or deposit as a condition of terminating the contract and resuming possession of the property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>on its own initiative the court may stay the action; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>except as provided in § 14-215 of this subtitle, on motion by a person in emergency management service, person suffering injury or damage, or another person acting on behalf of that person, the court shall stay the action; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the court may otherwise dispose of the case as it considers equitable to preserve the interests of the parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The court need not stay the action if the court finds that the ability of the defendant to comply with the terms of the contract was not materially affected because the defendant was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-214" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only to an obligation that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is on real or personal property that is owned by a person when the person becomes a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>originates before the person became a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other security in the nature of a mortgage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In a proceeding in a court against a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage to enforce an obligation subject to this section arising out of the nonpayment of a sum due under the obligation or arising out of a breach of the obligation that occurs before or during the period that the person is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage:</text> <level label="i"> <text>on its own initiative the court, after hearing, may stay the proceeding or otherwise dispose of the case as it considers equitable to preserve the interests of the parties; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>except as provided in § 14-215 of this subtitle, on motion by a person in emergency management service, person suffering injury or damage, or another person acting on behalf of that person, the court shall stay the proceeding or otherwise dispose of the case as it considers equitable to preserve the interests of the parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The court need not stay the proceeding if the court finds that the ability of the defendant to comply with the terms of the obligation was not materially affected because the defendant was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except on an order of sale previously granted by a court and a return to the order made and approved by the court, a sale under a power of sale or under a judgment entered on a confession of judgment contained in an obligation subject to this section is not valid if made during the period that the person who owns the property is, or within 3 months after the person ceased to be, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-215" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>Except if a court finds that 50% or more of the purchase price of a motor vehicle, tractor, or the accessories of a motor vehicle or tractor has been paid, a court may not stay a proceeding to resume possession of or to order the sale of a motor vehicle, tractor, or the accessories of a motor vehicle or tractor that is encumbered by a purchase money mortgage, conditional sales contract, or a lease or bailment with an option to purchase.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before entering an order or judgment in a proceeding to resume possession of or to order the sale of a motor vehicle, tractor, or the accessories of a motor vehicle or tractor, the court may require the plaintiff to file a bond approved by the court to indemnify the defendant, if the defendant is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage, against any loss or damage that the defendant may suffer because of the judgment or order if all or part of the judgment or order is set aside.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-216" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to real property:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on which general or special taxes or assessments fall due but are not paid during the period a person is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is owned and occupied as a dwelling or for agricultural or business purposes by the person in emergency management service, person suffering injury or damage, or a dependent or employee of that person when the person becomes a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>continues to be occupied by the dependents or employees.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except by order of court granted on motion by the collector of taxes or another officer whose duty is to enforce the collection of taxes or assessments, the property of a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage may not be sold to enforce the collection of a tax or assessment, and a proceeding to enforce the collection of a tax or assessment may not be brought, if the person in emergency management service, person suffering injury or damage, or another person acting on behalf of that person, files with the collector of taxes or other officer an affidavit that shows that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a tax or assessment has been assessed on property subject to this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the tax or assessment is unpaid; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the person’s ability to pay the tax or assessment is materially affected because the person is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The court may stay the proceedings or sale for a period not exceeding 6 months after the person owing the tax ceased to be a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if by law property subject to this section is sold or forfeited to enforce the collection of a tax or assessment on the property, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage may redeem the property or bring an action to redeem the property not later than 6 months after the person ceased to be a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not shorten any period for redemption provided by State law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If a tax or assessment on property subject to this section is not paid when due, interest on the tax or assessment due and unpaid shall accrue at the rate of 6% per year.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No other penalty or interest may be imposed because of the nonpayment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lien for unpaid taxes or an unpaid assessment shall include any interest that accrues under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-217" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If a person’s ability to pay income tax is materially impaired because the person is a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage, the collection of income tax from that person that was due before the person became, or that falls due during the period that the person is, a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage shall be deferred for a period not exceeding 6 months after the person ceased to be a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the collection of income taxes is deferred under this section, the running of a statute of limitations against the collection of those taxes is suspended for a period of 9 months after the person ceased to be a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Interest on the amount of tax due and unpaid does not accrue during the period that the collection of the tax is deferred under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A penalty for nonpayment of tax does not accrue during the period that the collection of tax is deferred under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-218" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not make or use an affidavit required under § 14-208 of this subtitle if the person knows the affidavit is false.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not knowingly participate in an eviction or distress in a manner other than in accordance with § 14-212 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not knowingly resume possession of property subject to § 14-213 of this subtitle in a manner other than in accordance with § 14-213(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-219" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Civil Relief During Emergency Periods"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Declared State disaster or emergency” means any disaster or emergency event for which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Governor proclaims a state of emergency;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a Presidential Declaration of a federal major disaster or emergency is issued; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a widespread utility outage occurs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Disaster– or emergency–related work” means repairing, renovating, installing, building, rendering services, or other business activities that relate to infrastructure that is damaged, impaired, or destroyed by the declared State disaster or emergency.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Disaster period” means a period that begins 10 days before the first day of the declared State disaster or emergency and extends for a period of 60 calendar days after the end of the declared State disaster or emergency.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>“Infrastructure” means property and equipment owned or used by communications networks, electric generation facilities, electric and gas transmission and distribution systems, water pipelines, and related support facilities.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Infrastructure” includes real and personal property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>“Out–of–state business” means a business entity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has no registrations, nexus, or tax filings in the State prior to the declared State disaster or emergency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is requested by a registered business or the State or a local government to perform disaster or emergency related work during a disaster period.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Out–of–state business” includes a business entity that is affiliated with a registered business in the State solely through common ownership.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Out–of–state employee” means an employee who does not work in the State, except during a declared State disaster or emergency.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Registered business” means a business entity that is currently registered to do business in the State before the declared State disaster or emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An out–of–state business that performs disaster– or emergency–related work during a disaster period does not establish a level of presence that would require the out–of–state business or its out–of–state employees to be subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>State or local licensing or registration requirements;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State or county income taxes;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>unemployment insurance contributions;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>personal property tax; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any requirement to collect and remit the sales and use tax.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An out–of–state employee may not be required to pay State or county income taxes or be subject to income tax withholding requirements.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An out–of–state business that employs an out–of–state employee may not be required to pay State or county income taxes or be subject to income tax withholding requirements with respect to any out–of–state employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An out–of–state business shall provide to the Comptroller a statement that the out–of–state business is in the State solely for purposes of performing disaster– or emergency–related work.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The statement required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include for the out–of–state business:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the name;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the state of domicile;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the principal address;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the federal tax identification number;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the date of entry into the State; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>contact information.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A registered business in the State shall provide the information required under subsection (d) of this section for any out–of–state business affiliate that enters the State to perform disaster– or emergency–related work.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-301" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Alternate care site” means an area that:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>is not located on a health care facility’s premises; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is located on a health care facility’s premises in an area not typically used to provide medical services, nursing services, or other health–related services; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is used by a licensed health care facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to provide medical services, nursing services, or other health–related services during a declared state of emergency; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that has access to an emergency electrical power generator.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Energy emergency” means a situation in which the health, safety, or welfare of the public is threatened by an actual or impending acute shortage in energy resources.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Health care facility” has the meaning stated in § 19–114 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Public emergency” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a situation in which three or more individuals are at the same time and in the same place engaged in tumultuous conduct that leads to the commission of unlawful acts that disturb the public peace or cause the unlawful destruction or damage of public or private property;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a crisis, disaster, riot, or catastrophe; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an energy emergency.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-302" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly recognizes the Governor’s broad authority in the exercise of the police power of the State to provide adequate control over persons and conditions during impending or actual public emergencies.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle shall be broadly construed to carry out the purpose of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-303" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>During a public emergency in the State, the Governor may proclaim a state of emergency and designate the emergency area:</text> <level label="1"> <text>if public safety is endangered or on reasonable apprehension of immediate danger to public safety; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Governor’s own initiative; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the application of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the chief executive officer or governing body of a county or municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Secretary of State Police.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After proclaiming a state of emergency, the Governor may promulgate reasonable orders, rules, or regulations that the Governor considers necessary to protect life and property or calculated effectively to control and terminate the public emergency in the emergency area, including orders, rules, or regulations to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>control traffic, including public and private transportation, in the emergency area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>designate specific zones in the emergency area in which the occupancy and use of buildings and vehicles may be controlled;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>control the movement of individuals or vehicles into, in, or from the designated zones;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>control places of amusement and places of assembly;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>control individuals on public streets;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>establish curfews;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>control the sale, transportation, and use of alcoholic beverages;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>control the possession, sale, carrying, and use of firearms, other dangerous weapons, and ammunition;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>control the storage, use, and transportation of explosives or flammable materials or liquids considered to be dangerous to public safety, including “Molotov cocktails”; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>authorize the use of alternate care sites.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before an order, rule, or regulation promulgated under subsection (b) of this section takes effect, the Governor shall give reasonable notice of the order, rule, or regulation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in a newspaper of general circulation in the emergency area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>through television or radio serving the emergency area; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>by circulating notices or posting signs at conspicuous places in the emergency area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An order, rule, or regulation promulgated under subsection (b) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>takes effect from the time and in the manner specified in the order, rule, or regulation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may be amended or rescinded, in the same manner as the original order, by the Governor at any time during the state of emergency; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>terminates when the Governor declares that the state of emergency no longer exists.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-304" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>On reasonable apprehension that an energy emergency exists, the Governor may proclaim a state of emergency.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision or limitation of State or local law, if the Governor proclaims a state of emergency under this section, in addition to any other order, rule, or regulation promulgated under this subtitle, the Governor may promulgate orders, rules, or regulations to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish and implement programs, controls, standards, priorities, and quotas for the allocation, conservation, and consumption of energy resources;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>suspend and modify existing standards and requirements affecting or affected by the use of energy resources, including those that relate to air quality control, the type and composition of various energy resources, the production and distribution of energy resources, and the hours and days during which public buildings and commercial and industrial establishments are authorized or required to remain open; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>establish and implement regional programs and agreements to coordinate the energy resource programs and actions of the State with those of the federal government and of other states and localities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Instead of or in addition to the penalties provided in § 14-308 of this subtitle, an order, rule, or regulation promulgated by the Governor under this section may provide for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the imposition of a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the method and conditions of collecting the civil penalty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “Committee” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any other joint committee substituted by the General Assembly by law to carry out the responsibilities of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review with respect to an energy emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before promulgating an order, rule, or regulation under this section, the Governor shall submit the order, rule, or regulation to the Committee for approval or rejection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if the Committee fails to take action on the order, rule, or regulation within 7 days after its submission, the order, rule, or regulation takes effect as promulgated by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>If because of extraordinary circumstances it is not feasible to secure the prior approval of the Committee, an order, rule, or regulation takes effect immediately.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 2 days after it takes effect, the order, rule, or regulation shall be communicated to the chairman of the Committee.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The full Committee shall be convened within 5 days after the order, rule, or regulation is communicated to the chairman.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The order, rule, or regulation is subject to disapproval by the full Committee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>All records of orders, rules, regulations, and Committee meetings are open to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section does not authorize the establishment of oil refineries, deep water ports, offshore drilling facilities, or other similar major capital facilities.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>In addition to the specific emergency powers contained in this subtitle, the General Assembly recognizes and confirms the Governor’s power to exercise fully the authority necessary to implement any federal mandatory energy emergency program as set forth in any federal programs, laws, orders, rules, or regulations that relate to the allocation, conservation, or consumption of energy resources.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-305" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Governor proclaims that a state of emergency exists, each law enforcement agency, fire company, or rescue squad of the State, a county, or municipal corporation shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>cooperate in any manner requested by the Governor or the Governor’s designated representative; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to subsection (b) of this section, allow the use of its equipment, facilities, and personnel if the use is required by the Governor or the Governor’s designated representative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The use of equipment, facilities, and personnel under subsection (a)(2) of this section may not substantially interfere with the normal duties of a law enforcement agency, fire company, or rescue squad located outside an area designated by the Governor as an emergency area.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the Governor proclaims that a state of emergency exists, the Department of State Police may take any action it considers necessary to assist local law enforcement agencies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any action that the Department of State Police takes under this subsection shall be reasonably calculated effectively to control and terminate the public emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A law enforcement agency of a county or municipal corporation shall notify the Secretary of State Police if the local law enforcement agency receives notice of a threatened or actual disturbance that indicates the possibility of serious domestic violence.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as provided in § 14-306 of this subtitle, each law enforcement agency, fire company, or rescue squad of the State, a county, or municipal corporation within an emergency area shall operate under the direction of the person designated by order of the Governor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-306" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “militia” means the organized and unorganized militia as described in § 13-203 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Governor proclaims that a state of emergency exists, the Governor may call the militia into action.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The militia shall have full power and responsibility for the area designated by the Governor as an emergency area.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each law enforcement agency, law enforcement official, fire company, and rescue squad in the emergency area, including the Department of State Police, shall cooperate with the militia and operate under its direction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The chief executive officer or governing body of a county or municipal corporation may request the Governor to provide the militia to help bring under control conditions existing within the county or municipal corporation that, in the requestor’s judgment, the local law enforcement agencies cannot control without additional personnel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-307" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “emergency” includes an emergency that results from fire, flood, riot, robbery, weather, or other cause.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If an emergency exists in a political subdivision, the Governor may proclaim a day for the general cessation of business in that political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If an emergency exists as to a banking institution, the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may proclaim a day on which the banking institution may remain closed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall limit the proclamation to the principal banking office and branch offices of the banking institution that the emergency affects.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-308" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <text>The State shall repair or replace any equipment, facilities, or property that is damaged while being used in accordance with the proclamation of a state of emergency.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-309" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Governor's Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not violate this subtitle or an order, rule, or regulation promulgated under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In meeting the requirements of an order, rule, or regulation promulgated under this subtitle or in applying for a service or benefit provided by the State in the allocation or assignment of energy supplies, a person may not willfully:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conceal a material fact;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>use a false writing or document that contains a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A violation of the Maryland Vehicle Law for which a penalty is provided is not subject to the penalties of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-01" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Catastrophic health emergency” means a situation in which extensive loss of life or serious disability is threatened imminently because of exposure to a deadly agent.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Deadly agent” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>anthrax, ebola, plague, smallpox, tularemia, or other bacterial, fungal, rickettsial, or viral agent, biological toxin, or other biological agent capable of causing extensive loss of life or serious disability;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>mustard gas, nerve gas, or other chemical agent capable of causing extensive loss of life or serious disability; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>radiation at levels capable of causing extensive loss of life or serious disability.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Exposure to a deadly agent” means a threat to human health caused by the release, distribution, or transmission of a deadly agent in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>this State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>another jurisdiction because of movement into the State of the deadly agent or of individuals exposed to the deadly agent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Health care provider” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a health care facility as defined in § 19–114(d)(1) of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a health care practitioner as defined in § 19–114(e) of the Health – General Article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an individual licensed or certified as an emergency medical services provider under § 13–516 of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Health.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-02" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Governor determines that a catastrophic health emergency exists, the Governor may issue a proclamation under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall indicate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the nature of the catastrophic health emergency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the areas threatened or affected; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the conditions that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>led to the catastrophic health emergency; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>made possible the termination of the emergency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall rescind a proclamation issued under this section whenever the Governor determines that the catastrophic health emergency no longer exists.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless renewed, the proclamation expires 30 days after issuance.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor may renew the proclamation for successive periods, each not to exceed 30 days, if the Governor determines that a catastrophic health emergency continues to exist.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-03" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>After the Governor issues a proclamation under this subtitle, the Governor may issue the orders authorized in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may order the Secretary or other designated official to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>seize immediately anything needed to respond to the medical consequences of the catastrophic health emergency; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>work collaboratively, to the extent feasible, with health care providers to designate and gain access to a facility needed to respond to the catastrophic health emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor may order the Secretary or other designated official to control, restrict, or regulate the use, sale, dispensing, distribution, or transportation of anything needed to respond to the medical consequences of the catastrophic health emergency by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>rationing or using quotas;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>creating and distributing stockpiles;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>prohibiting shipments;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>setting prices; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>taking other appropriate actions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If medically necessary and reasonable to treat, prevent, or reduce the spread of the disease or outbreak believed to have been caused by the exposure to a deadly agent, the Governor may order the Secretary or other designated official to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>require individuals to submit to medical examination or testing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>require individuals to submit to vaccination or medical treatment unless the vaccination or treatment likely will cause serious harm to the individual;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>establish places of treatment, isolation, and quarantine; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>require individuals to go to and remain in places of isolation or quarantine until the Secretary or other designated official determines that the individuals no longer pose a substantial risk of transmitting the disease or condition to the public.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor may order any health care provider, who does not voluntarily participate, to participate in disease surveillance, treatment, and suppression efforts or otherwise comply with the directives of the Secretary or other designated official.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may order the evacuation, closing, or decontamination of any facility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If necessary and reasonable to save lives or prevent exposure to a deadly agent, the Governor may order individuals to remain indoors or refrain from congregating.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-04" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <text>The Secretary may require an individual to go to and remain in a place of isolation or quarantine until the Secretary determines that the individual no longer poses a substantial risk of transmitting a disease or condition to the public if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is a competent adult; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>refuses an order under § 14-3A-03(b)(3) of this subtitle for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>vaccination;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>medical examination;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>treatment; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>testing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-05" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Secretary or other designated official requires an individual or a group of individuals to go to and remain in places of isolation or quarantine under § 14–3A–03(b)(3) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall issue a directive to the individual or group of individuals.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The directive shall specify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the identity of the individual or group of individuals that are subject to isolation or quarantine;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the premises that are subject to isolation or quarantine;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the date and time when the isolation or quarantine starts;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the suspected deadly agent causing the outbreak or disease, if known;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the justification for the isolation or quarantine; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the availability of a hearing to contest the directive.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the directive shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in writing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>given to those subject to the directive before the directive takes effect.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If the Secretary or other designated official determines that the notice required in paragraph (2) of this subsection is impracticable because of the number of individuals or geographical areas affected, the Secretary or other designated official shall ensure that the affected individuals are fully informed of the directive using the best possible means available.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the directive applies to a group of individuals and it is impracticable to provide individual written copies under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the written directive may be posted in a conspicuous place in the isolation or quarantine premises.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual or group of individuals isolated or quarantined under § 14–3A–03(b)(3) of this subtitle may request a hearing in a circuit court to contest the isolation or quarantine.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A request for a hearing does not stay or enjoin an isolation or quarantine directive.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A court that receives a request under this subsection shall hold a hearing within 3 days after receipt of the request.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In any proceedings brought for relief under this subsection, the court may extend the time for a hearing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>if the Secretary or other designated official shows that extraordinary circumstances exist that justify the extension; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>after considering the rights of the affected individual or group of individuals, the protection of the public health, the severity of the catastrophic health emergency, and the availability of any necessary witnesses and evidence.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The court shall grant the request for relief unless the court determines that the isolation or quarantine directive is necessary and reasonable to prevent or reduce the spread of the disease or outbreak believed to have been caused by the exposure to a deadly agent.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The court in making its determination may consider, if feasible, the means of transmission, the degree of contagion, and, to the extent possible, the degree of public exposure to the disease.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Subject to paragraph (7) of this subsection, if the court issues an order that authorizes the isolation or quarantine, the order shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>identify the isolated or quarantined individual or group of individuals by name or shared characteristics;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>specify factual findings warranting isolation or quarantine; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>be in writing and given to the individual or group of individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>If the court determines that the delivery required by paragraph (6)(iii) of this subsection is impracticable because of the number of individuals or geographical area affected, the court shall ensure that the affected individuals are fully informed of the order using the best possible means available.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An order under subsection (c) of this section may authorize isolation or quarantine for not more than 30 days.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the order expires, the Secretary or designated official may request the court to continue the isolation or quarantine for additional 30–day periods.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The court shall base its decision on the standards provided under subsection (c)(5) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If an individual cannot appear personally before the court, proceedings may be conducted:</text> <level label="1"> <text>by the individual’s authorized representative; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in a way that allows full participation by other individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to any emergency rules that the Supreme Court of Maryland adopts under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the court may order the consolidation of individual claims into group claims in proceedings brought under this section if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the large number of individuals involved or affected makes individual participation impracticable;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>questions of law or fact that are common to the individual claims or rights must be determined;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the group claims or rights to be determined are typical of the affected individual’s claims or rights; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the entire group will be adequately represented in the consolidation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Supreme Court of Maryland shall appoint counsel to represent individuals or a group of individuals who are not otherwise represented by counsel.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Supreme Court of Maryland shall adopt emergency rules of procedure to facilitate the efficient adjudication of proceedings brought under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-06" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <text>A health care provider is immune from civil or criminal liability if the health care provider acts in good faith and under a catastrophic health emergency proclamation.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-07" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <text>The authority granted under this subtitle is in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other authority that the Governor, the Secretary, or any other public official may exercise under other law.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-3A-08" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="3A" subtitle_name="Governor's Health Emergency Powers"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not knowingly and willfully fail to comply with an order, requirement, or directive issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A health care practitioner, as defined in § 19–114(e) of the Health – General Article, may not knowingly and willfully fail to comply with § 14–3A–03(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A health care practitioner who fails to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be subject to discipline under § 1–219 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-401" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Other Emergency Powers and Provisions"> <text>In this subtitle, “local governing body” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a board of county commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a county council; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-402" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Other Emergency Powers and Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The powers in this section may be exercised only during the effective period of an official proclamation by the Governor that declares all or part of the county to be in an actual or threatened emergency area.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a majority of the members of the local governing body of a county are killed or are sick, incapacitated, missing, or otherwise unavailable for a temporary or indefinite period because of a military or warlike catastrophe, the Governor may exercise the administrative and executive powers of that local governing body until the number of members of the local governing body sufficient to operate the county government are appointed and qualify.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-403" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Other Emergency Powers and Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “executive officer” means the mayor or comparable official of the legislative body of a municipal corporation of the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The powers in this section may be exercised only during the effective period of an official proclamation by the Governor that declares all or part of the municipal corporation to be in an actual or threatened emergency area.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If an executive officer is killed or is sick, incapacitated, missing, or otherwise unavailable for a temporary or indefinite period because of a military or warlike catastrophe, and the municipal corporation is unable to fill that vacancy for a temporary or indefinite period, the local governing body of the county in which the municipal corporation is located may appoint an individual to fill the vacancy for a temporary or indefinite period.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the vacancy is in a municipal corporation that is located in more than one county:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the local governing body of any of the counties in which part of the municipal corporation is located may appoint an individual to fill the vacancy; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the local governing bodies of the counties may agree to appoint an individual to fill the vacancy.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To the extent possible, each appointee shall have the qualifications required for the particular office to which appointed.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each appointee may exercise the powers and prerogatives of an officer elected to the position.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each appointee shall hold office until:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the executive officer originally holding the position returns to the position; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the position is filled by the regular election and qualification of a successor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Under the circumstances described in this section, the Governor may exercise the executive and administrative powers of the municipal government until the number of individuals sufficient to operate the municipal government are appointed and qualified as executive officers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-404" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Other Emergency Powers and Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “tax district” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a special tax area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a special tax district;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a sanitary district; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a water district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The powers in this section may be exercised only during the effective period of an official proclamation by the Governor that declares all or part of the tax district to be in an actual or threatened emergency area.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a majority of the members of the governing body of a tax district in the State are killed or are sick, incapacitated, missing, or otherwise unavailable for a temporary or indefinite period because of a military or warlike catastrophe, and the tax district is unable to function normally for a temporary or indefinite period, the Governor may exercise the executive and administrative powers of the tax district until the number of members of the governing body of the tax district sufficient to operate the governing body are appointed and qualified in accordance with the procedures of the governing body.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-405" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Other Emergency Powers and Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If there is serious human suffering, death, personal injury, or property damage in a county because of a military or warlike catastrophe, the local governing body has the powers granted in this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The powers in this section may be exercised only during the effective period of an official proclamation by the Governor that declares all or part of the county to be in an actual or threatened emergency area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The local governing body may borrow money or contract for materials or services on the faith and credit of the county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To pay for the money borrowed or the materials or services contracted for under subsection (b) of this section, the local governing body may issue bonds, notes, or other certificates of indebtedness on the faith and credit of the county to a person or governmental unit that lends the money or supplies the materials or services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The local governing body may set the terms, conditions, rate of interest, and provisions for repayment of the bonds, notes, or other certificates of indebtedness issued under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The local governing body may impose a special levy on taxable property in the county in an amount sufficient to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pay for the money borrowed or the materials and services contracted for under subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>make all payments of principal and interest on the bonds, notes, or other certificates of indebtedness issued under subsection (c) of this section that are outstanding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Money, materials, or services obtained under subsection (b) of this section may be secured, expended, or used in cooperation with other governmental units on a matching basis or otherwise as determined by the local governing body.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Any legal restrictions or delaying procedures are waived and may be disregarded by the local governing body as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the purchase, lease, or rental of materials and equipment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the securing and hiring of personal services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the face value of notes, bonds, or other certificates of indebtedness that may be issued and outstanding; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the rate of taxation that may be imposed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-406" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Other Emergency Powers and Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each law, ordinance, resolution, or regulation of the State, a political subdivision of the State, or a unit of State or local government that relates to or concerns an actual or threatened emergency or military or warlike catastrophe may be applied during the effective period of an official proclamation by the Governor that declares all or part of the particular area to be in an actual or threatened emergency area.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not qualify or reduce the powers of emergency management agencies that are effective without the existence of an emergency or proclamation by the Governor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-501" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="State Fuel Security Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administration” means the Maryland Energy Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Director” means the Director of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Person” includes a federal, State, or local government or an agency or instrumentality of a federal, State, or local government.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Prime supplier” means a supplier that makes the first sale into the State distribution system of a State fuel security product that is intended for consumption in the State.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Program” means the State Fuel Security Program.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“State fuel security product” means a product to which the Program applies.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Supplier” means a business entity or a part or subsidiary of a business entity that supplies, sells, transfers, or otherwise furnishes, including by consignment, a State fuel security product to consumers or wholesale purchaser–resellers.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Wholesale purchaser–reseller” means a business entity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>purchases, receives through transfer, or otherwise obtains, including by consignment, a State fuel security product; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>resells or otherwise transfers the State fuel security product to other purchasers without substantially changing its form.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-502" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="State Fuel Security Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Fuel Security Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall maintain plans and procedures to carry out the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Director shall administer and enforce the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations for the administration and enforcement of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-503" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="State Fuel Security Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Program applies to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>motor gasoline;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>middle distillate;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>propane;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>residual fuel oil, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>aviation gasoline.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program does not apply to residual fuel oil that is used:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in an electric generating station; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>as bunker fuel for marine shipping.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-504" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="State Fuel Security Program"> <level label="a"> <text>To carry out the requirements of this subtitle, the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may collect energy–related data in order to inform evaluations and decisions regarding energy by the Administration, State and federal agencies, and, subject to the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, the public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may maintain up–to–date reports on the supply, demand, and price of various energy resources, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>State fuel security products;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>wholesale electricity, including electricity generated from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>nuclear generation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>solar photovoltaic technology; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>wind, including offshore wind;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>coal;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>natural gas; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>petroleum; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>shall coordinate with the Department of Emergency Management to develop an information distribution plan to disseminate energy–related information to the general public and relevant State and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall coordinate with the Department of Information Technology to ensure that data collected under subsection (a)(1) of this section is transmitted and held securely.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Data disseminated to the public under subsection (a)(3) of this section may not create a competitive advantage for or disadvantage to the person who supplied the energy–related data.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration shall maintain the confidentiality of all data that may create a competitive advantage or disadvantage that is unknown to competitors.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the data collected under this subtitle is stolen, breached, compromised, or otherwise released in a manner other than that authorized under subsection (a)(3) of this section, the Administration shall inform all parties that provided the data within 72 hours after learning of the release.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In maintaining the reports described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, the Administration shall use data available from existing State and federal sources to the extent practicable.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In order to carry out the provisions of this section, the Administration may require a prime supplier, supplier, or wholesale purchaser–reseller to provide necessary information in a form determined by the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-505" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="State Fuel Security Program"> <text>A person who violates a provision of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under this subtitle is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a first violation, an administrative penalty not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for a second or subsequent violation, an administrative penalty not exceeding $5,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-601" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Interstate Emergency Management and Civil Defense Compact"> <text>WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States of America has enacted the procedure for granting its consent to emergency management and civil defense compacts by an act entitled “Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950” (Public Law 920, 81st Congress, Second Session, approved January 12, 1951); and</text> <text>WHEREAS, the State of Maryland contemplates entering into emergency management and civil defense compacts with other states, possessions and territories of the United States and with the District of Columbia, substantially in the form following:</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-602" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Interstate Emergency Management and Civil Defense Compact"> <text>The contracting states solemnly agree:</text> <level label="1"> <text>ARTICLE 1. Purpose.</text> <text>The purpose of this compact is to provide mutual aid among the states in meeting any emergency from enemy attack or other cause (natural or otherwise) including sabotage and subversive acts and direct attacks by bombs, shellfire, and atomic, radiological, chemical, bacteriological means, and other weapons. The prompt, full and effective utilization of the resources of the respective states, including such resources as may be available from the United States government or any other source, are essential to the safety, care and welfare of the people thereof in the event of enemy action or other emergency, and any other resources, including personnel, equipment or supplies, shall be incorporated into a plan or plans of mutual aid to be developed among emergency management and civil defense agencies or similar bodies of the states that are parties hereto. The directors of emergency management and civil defense of all party states shall constitute a committee to formulate plans and take all necessary steps for the implementation of this compact.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>ARTICLE 2. Emergency management and civil defense plans and programs.</text> <text>It shall be the duty of each party state to formulate emergency management and civil defense plans and programs for application within such state. There shall be frequent consultation between the representatives of the states and with the United States government and the free exchange of information and plans, including inventories of any materials and equipment available for emergency management and civil defense. In carrying out such emergency management and civil defense plans and programs the party states shall so far as possible provide and follow uniform standards, practices and rules and regulations including:</text> <level label="a"> <text>Insignia, arm bands and any other distinctive articles to designate and distinguish the different emergency management and civil defense services;</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Blackouts and practice blackouts, air raid drills, mobilization of emergency management and civil defense forces and other tests and exercises;</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Warnings and signals for drills or attacks and the mechanical devices to be used in connection therewith;</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The effective screening or extinguishing of all lights and lighting devices and appliances;</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services;</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>All materials or equipment used or to be used for emergency management and civil defense purposes in order to assure that such materials and equipment will be easily and freely interchangeable when used in or by any other party state;</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The conduct of civilians and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, prior, during and subsequent to drills or attacks;</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The safety of public meetings or gatherings; and</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Mobile support units.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>ARTICLE 3. Resources; emergency management and civil defense forces.</text> <text>Any party state requested to render mutual aid shall take such action as is necessary to provide and make available the resources covered by this compact in accordance with the terms hereof; provided that it is understood that the state rendering aid may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for such state. Each party state shall extend to the emergency management and civil defense forces of any other party state, while operating within its state limits under the terms and conditions of this compact, the same powers (except that of arrest unless specifically authorized by the receiving state), duties, rights, privileges and immunities as are extended to the emergency management and civil defense forces of such state. Emergency management and civil defense forces will continue under the command and control of their regular leaders but the organizational units will come under the operational control of the emergency management and civil defense authorities of the state receiving assistance.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>ARTICLE 4. Licenses and permits.</text> <text>Whenever any person holds a license, certificate or other permit issued by any state evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical or other skills, such person may render aid involving such skill in any party state to meet an emergency or disaster and such state shall give due recognition to such license, certificate or other permit as if issued in the state in which aid is rendered.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>ARTICLE 5. Liability.</text> <text>No party state or its officers or employees rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged, or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>ARTICLE 6. Supplementary agreements.</text> <text>Inasmuch as it is probable that the pattern and detail of the machinery for mutual aid among two or more states may differ from that appropriate among other states party hereto, this instrument contains elements of a broad base common to all states, and nothing herein contained shall preclude any state from entering into supplementary agreements with another state or states. Such supplementary agreements may comprehend, but shall not be limited to, provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other persons, and the exchange of medical, fire, police, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications personnel, equipment and supplies.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>ARTICLE 7. Compensation and death benefits.</text> <text>Each party state shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency management and civil defense forces of that state and the representatives of deceased members of such forces in case such members sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within such state.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>ARTICLE 8. Reimbursement for loss, damage, expense, or cost.</text> <text>Any party state rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the party state receiving such aid for any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment answering a request for aid, and for the cost incurred in connection with such requests; provided, that any aiding party state may assume in whole or in part such loss, damage, expense, or other cost, or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving party state without charge or cost; and provided further that any two or more party states may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs as among those states. The United States government may relieve the party state receiving aid from any liability and reimburse the party state supplying emergency management and civil defense forces for the compensation paid to and the transportation, subsistence and maintenance expenses of such forces during the time of the rendition of such aid or assistance outside the state and may also pay fair and reasonable compensation for the use or utilization of the supplies, materials, equipment or facilities so utilized or consumed.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>ARTICLE 9. Plans for evacuation of civil population.</text> <text>Plans for the orderly evacuation and reception of the civilian population as the result of an emergency shall be worked out from time to time between representatives of the party states and the various local emergency management and civil defense areas thereof. Such plans shall include the manner of transporting such evacuees, the number of evacuees to be received in different areas, the manner in which food, clothing, housing, and medical care will be provided, the registration of the evacuees, the providing of facilities for the notification of relatives or friends and the forwarding of such evacuees to other areas or the bringing in of additional materials, supplies, and all other relevant factors. Such plans shall provide that the party state receiving evacuees shall be reimbursed generally for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in receiving and caring for such evacuees, for expenditures for transportation, food, clothing, medicines and medical care and like items. Such expenditures shall be reimbursed by the party state of which the evacuees are residents, or by the United States government under plans approved by it. After the termination of the emergency the party state of which the evacuees are residents shall assume the responsibility for the ultimate support or repatriation of such evacuees.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>ARTICLE 10. Availability of compact; “state” defined.</text> <text>This compact shall be available to any state, possession or territory of the United States, and the District of Columbia. The term “state” may also include any neighboring foreign country or province or state thereof.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>ARTICLE 11. Role of Federal Emergency Management Agency.</text> <text>The committee established pursuant to Article 1 of this compact may request the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the United States government to act as an informational and coordinating body under this compact, and representatives of such agency of the United States government may attend meetings of such committee.</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>ARTICLE 12. Compact operative on ratification.</text> <text>This compact shall become operative immediately upon its ratification by any state as between it and any other state or states so ratifying and shall be subject to approval by Congress unless prior congressional approval has been given. Duly authenticated copies of this compact and of such supplementary agreements as may be entered into shall, at the time of their approval, be deposited with each of the party states and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other appropriate agencies of the United States government.</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>ARTICLE 13. Withdrawal from compact.</text> <text>This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each party state until the legislature or the governor of such party state takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall not be effective until 30 days after notice thereof has been sent by the governor of the party state desiring to withdraw to the governors of all other party states.</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>ARTICLE 14. Construction of compact; severability.</text> <text>This compact shall be construed to effectuate the purposes stated in Article 1 hereof. If any provision of this compact is declared unconstitutional, or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>ARTICLE 15. Additional applicability.</text> <level label="a"> <text>This article shall be in effect only as among those states which have enacted it into law or in which the governors have adopted it pursuant to constitutional or statutory authority sufficient to give it the force of law as part of this compact. Nothing contained in this article or in any supplementary agreement made in implementation thereof shall be construed to abridge, impair or supersede any other provision of this compact or any obligation undertaken by a state pursuant thereto, except that if its terms so provide, a supplementary agreement in implementation of this article may modify, expand or add to any such obligation as among the parties to the supplementary agreement.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the occurrences, circumstances and subject matters to which preceding articles of this compact make it applicable, this compact and the authorizations, entitlements and procedures thereof shall apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Searches for and rescue of persons who are lost, marooned, or otherwise in danger;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Action useful in coping with disasters arising from any cause or designed to increase capability to cope with any such disasters;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Incidents, or the imminence thereof, which endanger the health or safety of the public and which require the use of special equipment, trained personnel or personnel in larger numbers than are locally available in order to reduce, counteract or remove the danger;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The giving and receiving of aid by subdivisions of party states;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Exercises, drills or other training or practice activities designed to aid personnel to prepare for, cope with, or prevent any disaster or other emergency to which this compact applies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as expressly limited by this compact or a supplementary agreement in force pursuant thereto, any aid authorized by this compact or any supplementary agreement may be furnished by any agency of a party state, a subdivision of a party state, or by a joint agency of any two or more party states or of their subdivisions. Any joint agency providing aid shall be entitled to reimbursement therefor to the same extent and in the same manner as a state. The personnel of a joint agency, when rendering aid pursuant to this compact, shall have the same rights, authority and immunity as personnel of party states.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Nothing in this article shall be construed to exclude from the coverage of Articles 1-14 of this compact any matter which, in the absence of this article, could reasonably be construed to be covered thereby.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-603" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Interstate Emergency Management and Civil Defense Compact"> <text>The Governor is hereby authorized and empowered to enter into and execute, on behalf of the State of Maryland, such emergency management and civil defense compacts with other states, possessions or territories of the United States or with the District of Columbia, substantially in the form hereinbefore set forth, provided that the Board of Public Works, with the concurrence of the Secretary, may approve alterations of the terms, provisions and conditions of the aforesaid proposed emergency management and civil defense compact so long as said alterations are in substantial compliance with the terms, provisions and conditions hereinbefore set forth and when the Governor, in the exercise of the power as aforesaid, enters into and executes an emergency management and civil defense compact on behalf of the State of Maryland, said compact is hereby approved and ratified and every paragraph, clause, provision, matter and thing in the said compact contained shall be obligatory on this State and the citizens thereof, and shall be forever faithfully and inviolably observed, and kept by the government of this State and all of its citizens according to the true intent and meaning of the said compact.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-604" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Interstate Emergency Management and Civil Defense Compact"> <text>The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to prepare and transmit duly authenticated copies of such compacts and of this act to the governor of each state entering into such compact, the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Director, the Secretary of State of the United States, and the Council of State Governments.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-605" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Interstate Emergency Management and Civil Defense Compact"> <text>If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this subtitle shall, for any reason, be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional and invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, or section thereof so found unconstitutional and invalid.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-701" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency Management Assistance Compact"> <text>The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is entered into with all other jurisdictions which adopt the Compact in a form substantially as the Compact appears in § 14-702 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-702" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency Management Assistance Compact"> <level label="1"> <text>Article I. Purpose and Authorities.</text> <text>This compact is made and entered into by and between the participating member states which enact this compact, hereinafter called party states. For the purposes of this compact, the term “states” is taken to mean the several states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territorial possessions.</text> <text>The purpose of this compact is to provide for mutual assistance between the states entering into this compact in managing any emergency or disaster that is duly declared by the Governor of the affected state(s), whether arising from natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster, civil emergency aspects of resources shortages, community disorders, insurgency, or enemy attack.</text> <text>This compact shall also provide for mutual cooperation in emergency-related exercises, testing, or other training activities using equipment and personnel simulating performance of any aspect of the giving and receiving of aid by party states or subdivisions of party states during emergencies, such actions occurring outside actual declared emergency periods. Mutual assistance in this compact may include the use of the states’ National Guard forces, either in accordance with the National Guard Mutual Assistance Compact or by mutual agreement between states.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Article II. General Implementation.</text> <text>Each party state entering into this compact recognizes that many emergencies transcend political jurisdictional boundaries and that intergovernmental coordination is essential in managing these and other emergencies under this compact. Each state further recognizes that there will be emergencies which require immediate access and present procedures to apply outside resources to make a prompt and effective response to such an emergency. This is because few, if any, individual states have all the resources they may need in all types of emergencies or the capability of delivering resources to areas where emergencies exist.</text> <text>The prompt, full, and effective utilization of resources of the participating states, including any resources on hand or available from the federal government or any other source, that are essential to the safety, care, and welfare of the people in the event of any emergency or disaster declared by a party state, shall be the underlying principle on which all articles of this compact shall be understood.</text> <text>On behalf of the Governor of each state participating in the compact, the legally designated state official who is assigned responsibility for emergency management will be responsible for formulation of the appropriate interstate mutual aid plans and procedures necessary to implement this compact.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Article III. Party State Responsibilities.</text> <level label="a"> <text>It shall be the responsibility of each party state to formulate procedural plans and programs for interstate cooperation in the performance of the responsibilities listed in this article. In formulating such plans, and in carrying them out, the party states, insofar as practical, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Review individual state hazards analyses and, to the extent reasonably possible, determine all those potential emergencies the party states might jointly suffer, whether due to natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster, emergency aspects of resources shortages, civil disorders, insurgency, or enemy attack.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Review party states’ individual emergency plans and develop a plan which will determine the mechanism for the interstate management and provision of assistance concerning any potential emergency.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Develop interstate procedures to fill any identified gaps and to resolve any identified inconsistencies or overlaps in existing or developed plans.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Assist in warning communities adjacent to or crossing the state boundaries.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Protect and assure uninterrupted delivery of services, medicines, water, food, energy and fuel, search and rescue, and critical lifeline equipment, services, and resources, both human and material.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Inventory and set procedures for the interstate loan and delivery of human and material resources, together with procedures for reimbursement or forgiveness.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Provide, to the extent authorized by law, for temporary suspension of any statutes or ordinances that restrict the implementation of the above responsibilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The authorized representative of a party state may request assistance of another party state by contacting the authorized representative of that state. The provisions of this compact shall apply only to requests for assistance made by and to authorized representatives. Requests may be verbal or in writing. If verbal, the request shall be confirmed in writing within 30 days of the verbal request. Requests shall provide the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A description of the emergency service function for which assistance is needed, including, but not limited to, fire services, law enforcement, emergency medical, transportation, communications, public works and engineering, building inspection, planning and information assistance, mass care, resource support, health and medical services, and search and rescue.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount and type of personnel, equipment, materials and supplies needed, and a reasonable estimate of the length of time they will be needed.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The specific place and time for staging of the assisting party’s response and a point of contact at that location.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>There shall be frequent consultation between state officials who have assigned emergency management responsibilities and other appropriate representatives of the party states with affected jurisdictions and the United States Government, with free exchange of information, plans, and resource records relating to emergency capabilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Article IV. Limitations.</text> <text>Any party state requested to render mutual aid or conduct exercises and training for mutual aid shall take such action as is necessary to provide and make available the resources covered by this compact in accordance with the terms hereof; provided that it is understood that the state rendering aid may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for such state.</text> <text>Each party state shall afford to the emergency forces of any party state, while operating within its state limits under the terms and conditions of this compact, the same powers, except that of arrest unless specifically authorized by the receiving state, duties, rights, and privileges as are afforded forces of the state in which they are performing emergency services. Emergency forces will continue under the command and control of their regular leaders, but the organizational units will come under the operational control of the emergency services authorities of the state receiving assistance. These conditions may be activated, as needed, only subsequent to a declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the governor of the party state that is to receive assistance or upon commencement of exercises or training for mutual aid and shall continue so long as the exercises or training for mutual aid are in progress, the state of emergency or disaster remains in effect, or loaned resources remain in the receiving state(s), whichever is longer.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Article V. Licenses and Permits.</text> <text>Whenever any person holds a license, certificate, or other permit issued by any state party to the compact evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical, or other skills, and when such assistance is requested by the receiving party state, such person shall be deemed licensed, certified, or permitted by the state requesting assistance to render aid involving such skill to meet a declared emergency or disaster, subject to such limitations and conditions as the Governor of the requesting state may prescribe by executive order or otherwise.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Article VI. Liability.</text> <text>Officers or employees of a party state rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be considered agents of the requesting state for tort liability and immunity purposes. No party state or its officers or employees rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith. Good faith in this article shall not include willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Article VII. Supplementary Agreements.</text> <text>Inasmuch as it is probable that the pattern and detail of the machinery for mutual aid among two or more states may differ from that among the states that are party hereto, this compact contains elements of a broad base common to all states, and nothing herein contained shall preclude any state from entering into supplementary agreements with another state or affect any other agreements already in force between states. Supplementary agreements may comprehend, but shall not be limited to, provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other persons and the exchange of medical, fire, police, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications personnel, and equipment and supplies.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Article VIII. Compensation.</text> <text>Each party state shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency forces of that state and representatives of deceased members of such forces in case such members sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within their own state.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Article IX. Reimbursement.</text> <text>Any party state rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the party state receiving such aid for any loss or damage to or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment and the provision of any service in answering a request for aid and for the costs incurred in connection with such requests; provided, that any aiding party state may assume in whole or in part such loss, damage, expense, or other cost, or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving party state without charge or cost; and provided further, that any two or more party states may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs among those states. Article VIII expenses shall not be reimbursable under this article.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Article X. Evacuation.</text> <text>Plans for the orderly evacuation and interstate reception of portions of the civilian population as the result of any emergency or disaster of sufficient proportions to so warrant, shall be worked out and maintained between the party states and the emergency management/services directors of the various jurisdictions where any type of incident requiring evacuations might occur. Such plans shall be put into effect by request of the state from which evacuees come and shall include the manner of transporting such evacuees, the number of evacuees to be received in different areas, the manner in which food, clothing, housing, and medical care will be provided, the registration of evacuees, the providing of facilities for the notification of relatives or friends, and the forwarding of such evacuees to other areas or the bringing in of additional materials, supplies, and all other relevant factors. Such plans shall provide that the party state receiving evacuees and the party state from which the evacuees come shall mutually agree as to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in receiving and caring for such evacuees, for expenditures for transportation, food, clothing, medicines and medical care, and like items. Such expenditures shall be reimbursed as agreed by the party state from which the evacuees come. After the termination of the emergency or disaster, the party state from which the evacuees come shall assume the responsibility for the ultimate support of repatriation of such evacuees.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Article XI. Implementation.</text> <level label="a"> <text>This compact shall become effective immediately upon its enactment into law by any two states. Thereafter, this compact shall become effective as to any other state upon its enactment by such state.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until 30 days after the Governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of such withdrawal to the Governors of all other party states. Such action shall not relieve the withdrawing state from obligations assumed hereunder prior to the effective date of withdrawal.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Duly authenticated copies of this compact and of such supplementary agreements as may be entered into shall, at the time of their approval, be deposited with each of the party states and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other appropriate agencies of the United States Government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Article XII. Validity.</text> <text>This compact shall be construed to effectuate the purposes stated in Article I hereof. If any provision of this compact is declared unconstitutional, or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Article XIII. Additional Provisions.</text> <text>Nothing in this compact shall authorize or permit the use of military force by the National Guard of a state at any place outside that state in any emergency for which the President is authorized by law to call into federal service the militia, or for any purpose for which the use of the Army or the Air Force would in the absence of express statutory authorization be prohibited under Section 1385 of Title 18 of the United States Code.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-801" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Maryland Intrastate Emergency Management Assistance Compact"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Authorized representative” means an employee of a local jurisdiction authorized by the senior elected official of that jurisdiction to request, offer, or provide assistance under the terms of the Compact.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Compact” means the Maryland Intrastate Emergency Management Assistance Compact.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Emergency responder” means an individual who is sent or directed by a party jurisdiction in response to a request for assistance by another party jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Emergency responder” includes a:</text> <level label="i"> <text>career or volunteer firefighter of a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>career or volunteer emergency medical services provider, as defined in § 13–516 of the Education Article, within this State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>career or volunteer rescue squad member of a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>county or municipal employee who is performing an emergency support function described in § 14–803(2)(b)(5)(i) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>law enforcement officer as defined in § 1–101 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Jurisdictions” means the 23 counties within Maryland, Baltimore City, the City of Annapolis, the City of Bowie, the City of Frederick, the City of Laurel, and Ocean City.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Party jurisdiction” means a jurisdiction that enacts the Compact in a form substantially similar to the Compact set forth in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-802" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Maryland Intrastate Emergency Management Assistance Compact"> <text>The Maryland Intrastate Emergency Management Assistance Compact is entered into with all other jurisdictions that adopt the Compact in a form substantially similar to the Compact set forth in this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-803" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Maryland Intrastate Emergency Management Assistance Compact"> <level label="1"> <text>Article 1. Purpose.</text> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The purpose of this Compact is to provide for emergency management mutual assistance between the jurisdictions entering into this Compact.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This Compact also shall provide for mutual cooperation in emergency management–related exercises, testing, or other training activities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Article 2. Requests for Assistance.</text> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The senior elected official of each jurisdiction shall designate authorized representatives. An authorized representative of a party jurisdiction may request assistance from another party jurisdiction by contacting an authorized representative of that jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The provisions of this Compact shall apply only to requests for assistance made by and to authorized representatives.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Requests may be verbal or in writing.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If verbal, the request shall be confirmed in writing at the earliest possible date, but no later than 10 calendar days following the verbal request.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Written requests shall provide the following information:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The functional areas for which assistance is needed, including fire services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, transportation, communications, public works and engineering, building inspection, planning and information assistance, mass care, resource support, health and medical services, and search and rescue;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The mission, capability, size, and amount of the requested aid; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The logistics, location, and time for staging the aid from a responding party jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>There shall be frequent consultations between the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and appropriate representatives of the party jurisdictions with the unhindered exchange of information and plans generally relating to emergency management.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>An authorized representative of the requesting party jurisdiction will advise the Maryland Department of Emergency Management of verbal requests and provide copies of written requests.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Article 3. Limitations.</text> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Any jurisdiction which is a party to this Compact and which receives a request for assistance shall take such actions as are necessary to provide requested resources.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any party jurisdiction may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection to its own jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each party jurisdiction shall afford to the emergency responders of any party jurisdiction operating within the requesting jurisdiction under the terms and conditions of this Compact, the same powers, duties, rights, and privileges as are afforded those of the jurisdiction in which they are performing emergency services.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Emergency responders will continue under the command and control of their regular leaders, but the organizational units will come under the operational control of the emergency services authorities of the requesting jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Emergency responders shall have the same powers, duties, rights, and privileges as personnel of the requesting jurisdiction correspondent to performing the same function.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The provisions of this article shall only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Take effect when resources loaned under the terms and conditions of this Compact by the responding party jurisdiction arrive in the requesting party jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Continue in effect as long as resources loaned under the terms and conditions of this Compact by the responding party jurisdiction remain in the requesting party jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Article 4. Liability.</text> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Officers or emergency responders of a party jurisdiction rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to this Compact shall be considered agents of the requesting party jurisdiction for tort liability and immunity purposes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No party jurisdiction or its officers or emergency responders rendering aid in another party jurisdiction pursuant to this Compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of responding personnel while so engaged or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Good faith in this article shall not include willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Article 5. Supplementary Agreements.</text> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Nothing in this Compact shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Preclude any jurisdiction from entering into supplementary agreements with another jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Affect any other agreements between jurisdictions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Supplementary agreements may include, but are not limited to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other persons; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The exchange of medical, fire, police, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation, and communications personnel, equipment, and supplies.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Article 6. Reimbursement.</text> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Each party jurisdiction shall provide for the payment of workers’ compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency responders of its own jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The requesting party jurisdiction will reimburse the responding party jurisdiction for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the responding party jurisdiction provided that any responding jurisdiction may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Assume in whole or in part such loss, damage, expense, or other cost;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Loan equipment or donate services to the requesting party jurisdiction without charge or cost; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Agree to any allocation of expenses between the responding and requesting party jurisdictions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any two or more party jurisdictions may enter into supplemental agreements establishing a different allocation of costs among those party jurisdictions.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Records of expenses incurred in sufficient detail to satisfy auditing requirements shall be submitted to the requesting party jurisdiction by the responding party jurisdiction as soon as possible following the termination of the assistance provided.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Article 7. Implementation.</text> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Party jurisdictions are encouraged to consult frequently with each other and with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and to exchange information and plans relating to emergency management.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>This Compact shall become effective immediately upon its enactment into law by any two jurisdictions in a form substantially similar to the Compact set forth in this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Thereafter, this Compact shall become effective as to any other jurisdiction upon its enactment by that jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any party jurisdiction may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a repeal of the same but no such withdrawal shall take effect until 30 days after the senior elected official of the withdrawing jurisdiction has given notice in writing of such withdrawal to the senior elected officials of all party jurisdictions.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Withdrawal from the Compact shall not relieve the withdrawing jurisdiction from obligations assumed under Article 4 or Article 6 of this Compact prior to the effective date of withdrawal.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Authenticated copies of this Compact and of such supplementary agreements as may be entered into shall at the time of their approval be retained by each party jurisdiction and with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Article 8. Validity.</text> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>This Compact shall be construed to effectuate the purposes stated in Article 1 hereof.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If any part or provision of this Compact or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid for any reason in a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or any other application of this Compact which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and for this purpose the provisions of this Compact are declared severable.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-8A-01" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="8A" subtitle_name="National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreements"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Governing body” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the county executive and county council of a charter county with a county executive;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the county council of a charter county with no county executive;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the board of county commissioners of a county; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the mayor and council, by whatever name known, of a municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“National Capital Region” means the area defined under § 2674(f)(2) of Title 10 of the United States Code, including those counties with a border abutting that area and any municipal corporations in those counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-8A-02" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="8A" subtitle_name="National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreements"> <text>The State, the governing body of a county or municipal corporation, or any other governmental agency within the National Capital Region may enter into a reciprocal agreement for the period that it considers advisable with a federal agency, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the District of Columbia, or a county or municipal corporation, within or outside the State, and establish, train, and implement plans to request or provide mutual aid through the use of its officers, employees, and agents, together with all necessary equipment, in accordance with § 7302 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (108 P.L. 458, 118 Stat. 3638).</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-8A-03" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="8A" subtitle_name="National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreements"> <text>Any provision or part of a State, local, or municipal corporation statute, law, or ordinance that requires a mutual aid agreement to contain additional terms or conditions is inapplicable to an agreement authorized by and entered into under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-901" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>students;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>individuals who are preparing themselves to engage in trade or industrial pursuits;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>individuals who are temporarily unemployed because of differences with their employers; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>individuals who are engaged or employed in a seasonal business, trade, or occupation in Baltimore City or Allegany County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-902" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <text>To carry out this subtitle, the Governor may appoint or employ assistants and use any available and appropriate agencies.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-903" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor by proclamation may require that each able-bodied individual in the State between 18 and 50 years old, inclusive, who is not regularly or continuously employed or engaged in a lawful and useful business, occupation, trade, or profession immediately register for work under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor may require registration for work under paragraph (1) of this subsection if the Governor determines that because of a state of war:</text> <level label="i"> <text>it is necessary for the protection and welfare of the people of the State that those individuals work in agricultural, industrial, or other occupations carried on by the State, a county, or a private employer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the occupations specified in item (i) of this paragraph are essential for the protection and welfare of the people of the State and the United States; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the occupations specified in item (i) of this paragraph cannot be carried on as required for the protection and welfare of the people of this State and the United States without resort to this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Individuals who are self-supporting because of income or ownership of property and individuals who are supported by others shall be required to register under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each individual required to register under this section shall register with the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the individual resides.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The individual shall provide to the clerk the individual’s name, address, age, and any other information that the Governor requires.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On request of the Governor, the clerk of the circuit court shall provide the Governor with the information obtained under subsection (c)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-904" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor shall assign or cause to be assigned and, if necessary, reassign or cause to be reassigned, for a period not exceeding 6 continuous months for each individual at one time, individuals who have registered under § 14-903 of this subtitle to the occupations described in § 14-903(a) of this subtitle if the employers accept the services of these individuals.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each individual assigned to work under subsection (a) of this section shall be physically able to perform the work to which the individual is assigned.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In determining the duration and nature of the work to which an individual is assigned, the Governor shall consider the age, physical condition, and any other appropriate circumstances of the individual.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual may not be required to work under this subtitle a greater number of hours per day than lawfully constitutes a day’s work in the occupation to which the individual is assigned.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-905" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <text>As soon as the Governor issues a proclamation under § 14-903 of this subtitle, the Governor shall prepare and publish rules and regulations to govern the assignment of individuals to work under this subtitle that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>ensure that all individuals similarly situated shall be treated alike to the extent possible; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>make allowances for the age, physical condition, and other appropriate circumstances of individuals assigned to work under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-906" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <level label="a"> <text>Each individual required to work under this subtitle is entitled to compensation not less than the compensation paid to others for the same work.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If an individual is assigned to work for a unit of the State, the compensation of the individual shall be paid by the unit out of the appropriation made to it by the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If an individual is assigned to work for a county, the compensation of the individual shall be paid by the county.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If an individual is assigned to work for a private employer, the compensation of the individual shall be paid by the private employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each private employer shall execute a bond to the State in the penalty and with the surety that the Governor approves, conditioned to guarantee the payment of compensation due to individuals assigned to work for the private employer.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If a private employer fails to pay the compensation due to an individual under this subsection, the compensation shall be paid by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If money is appropriated for the purpose specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>payment shall be made on the order of the executive committee of the Maryland Council of Defense with the approval of the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the order shall be directed to the Comptroller; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Comptroller shall draw a warrant on the Treasurer for the amount of payment as provided by law.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the State compensates an individual under this subsection, the employer’s bond shall be in default and shall be put into suit by the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-907" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual may not fail to register under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After the Governor issues a proclamation under this subtitle, the county sheriffs, the police department of Baltimore City, and any other officer of the State, a county, or municipal corporation charged with enforcing the law shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>seek diligently the names and addresses of able-bodied individuals within their respective jurisdictions who are between 18 and 50 years old, inclusive, and not regularly or continuously employed or engaged in a lawful and useful occupation and who have failed to register under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>obtain criminal summonses or warrants from a District Court commissioner for the arrest of individuals described in item (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The District Court shall send the name of each individual convicted of failing to register and the information specified in subsection (c)(1) of this section to the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the individual resides.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The circuit court clerks shall register each individual convicted of failing to register under this subtitle and report the registration to the Governor in accordance with § 14-903 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Governor shall assign each individual registered under subsection (e) of this section to work as provided in § 14-904 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-908" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Compulsory Work During State of War"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual may not fail to do the work assigned to the individual unless the individual becomes regularly or continuously employed in a business, occupation, profession, or trade.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1001" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Riots"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “structure” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a church, chapel, or convent;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a dwelling;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a building used or designed as a place to transact business or store property;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a barn, stable, or other outbuilding; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a ship, shipyard, or lumberyard.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to § 14-1002 of this subtitle, if a structure or personal property is stolen, damaged, or destroyed in a riot, the injured party may recover actual damages sustained in a civil action against the county or municipal corporation of the State in which the riot occurred.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1002" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Riots"> <level label="a"> <text>A county or municipal corporation is not liable under § 14-1001 of this subtitle for theft, damage, or destruction that occurs in a riot unless the authorities of the county or municipal corporation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>had good reason to believe that the riot was about to take place or, having taken place, had notice of the riot in time to prevent the theft, damage, or destruction; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>had the ability, either by use of the county’s or municipal corporation’s police or with the aid of the residents of the county or municipal corporation, to prevent the theft, damage, or destruction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not recover damages from a county or municipal corporation under § 14-1001 of this subtitle if it is satisfactorily proved that the authorities of the county or municipal corporation, and the residents of the county or municipal corporation when called on by the authorities, used reasonable diligence and all the powers entrusted to them to prevent or suppress the riot.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1003" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Riots"> <text>An action for damages under § 14-1001 of this subtitle shall be filed within 3 years after the date it accrues.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1004" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Riots"> <text>The form of any pleading in an action under § 14-1001 of this subtitle shall be governed by the Maryland Rules.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1101" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Maryland Food System Resiliency Council"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Council” means the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Food council organization” means a local food council organization that is established in the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Healthy food priority areas” means predominantly lower–income areas that have limited access to retail outlets that sell affordable, healthy foods.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Emergency Management.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Wasted food” means food not used for its intended purpose that is managed in a variety of ways, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>donations to feed people;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the creation of animal feed;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>composting;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>anaerobic digestion; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>disposal in landfills or combustion facilities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1102" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Maryland Food System Resiliency Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Food System Resiliency Council in the Office of Resilience in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the Executive Director of the Maryland Farm Bureau, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the Executive Director of the Maryland Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry Development Corporation, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the Dean of the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or the Dean’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>the following members appointed by the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>five representatives of five different food council organizations who are recommended by members of food council organizations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>one representative of the University of Maryland Extension;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one representative of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Small Farm Program;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>one representative of the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro–Ecology;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>one representative of a public school system in the State who has experience in food security and local food procurement;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>one representative of a statewide food security advocacy organization;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>one farmer in the State;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>one representative of the seafood industry;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>one owner of a food business in the State;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>one expert in food system policy;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>one expert on racial equity in the food system;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>one expert on food system impacts on climate and the environment;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>one expert on food nutrition and public health; and</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>any other individual that the Secretary deems appropriate.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>ensure that all five geographic areas of the State are represented by the appointed members of the Council; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>appoint a successor in the event of a vacancy on the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The term of a member of the Council appointed by the Secretary is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An appointed member may not serve for more than two consecutive 3–year terms.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun shall serve for the rest of the term or until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State Budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A majority of the members then serving on the Council is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, and one member who is elected in accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph shall cochair the Council.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At the first meeting of each year, the Council shall elect a cochair from among the Council members for a term of 1 year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary’s designee, the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee, and the Dean of the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or the Dean’s designee shall co–vice chair the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council may establish subcommittees to provide technical assistance to the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council may establish subcommittee topics and membership as the Council deems appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall provide staff for the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1103" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Maryland Food System Resiliency Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>meet regularly for a period of at least 2 years to address food insecurity in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>work toward the following goals:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to address the food insecurity crisis in the State resulting from the COVID–19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>coordinating State and local level food insecurity services to support residents of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>tracking and analyzing data to create a comprehensive map of food insecurity across the State and identify the gaps in service;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>leveraging federal and private sector grants and other resources in order to address food insecurity needs;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>advising the State on how best to allocate resources and increase efficiency; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="A"> <text>exploring the role of and potential for the federal Community Eligibility Provision to ensure all students in the State are fed; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>making recommendations to the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland General Assembly to implement relevant findings under item A of this item;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to develop equity and sustainability policy recommendations to increase the long–term resiliency of the food system, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>addressing and eliminating racial inequities in the food system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>addressing and eliminating diet–related public health disparities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>addressing and eliminating limited food options and food scarcity that exist in healthy food priority areas;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>reducing wasted food, increasing recycling, and encouraging other relevant environmental impacts;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>in urban, suburban, and rural settings, increasing the quantity, quality aggregation, marketing, and distribution of local food;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>increasing the procurement of local food through schools, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>creating additional market opportunities for Maryland food businesses; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>expanding access to small scale manufacturing and food production infrastructure; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>to expand the impact of existing food council organizations by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>providing coordination and facilitation of knowledge exchange at the State level; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>supporting identification and application of grants to operating funds to support existing and new food council organizations as needed.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To advance the goals of the Council, the Council shall engage and collaborate with interested stakeholders, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>residents of the State with lived experience of food insecurity; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>food council organizations and similar local level food system convening organizations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before November 1, 2023, and each year thereafter, the Council shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on key findings, appropriate policy and legislative changes, and activities undertaken by the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1201" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Office of Resilience"> <text>There is an Office of Resilience in the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1202" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Office of Resilience"> <level label="a"> <text>The head of the Office of Resilience is the Chief Resilience Officer, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Chief Resilience Officer is in the executive service of the State Personnel Management System and is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Chief Resilience Officer is responsible for coordinating State and local efforts to build resilience to risks identified in the Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The duties of the Chief Resilience Officer include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>coordinating State and local efforts to build resilience to risks identified in the Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>developing a State Resilience Strategy and assisting local agencies in their efforts to prepare and implement resilience strategies;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>coordinating across State and local agencies to prepare and implement resilience strategies;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identifying, securing, and assisting in accessing federal, State, and private funding streams and technical assistance that can be used to support State and local resilience efforts;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>working with business leaders from industries vulnerable to the risks to identify best practices for preparing for and responding to risks; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>ensuring that investments prioritize vulnerable communities and environmental justice.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1203" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Office of Resilience"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office of Resilience shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>coordinate and administer federal prevention, protection, mitigation, and recovery–focused programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>administer State mitigation grants and loans;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>identify flood risk assessment tools for use by programs and projects statewide;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>administer other programs as directed by the Secretary and the Chief Resilience Officer;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>prioritize vulnerable communities and ensure that investments are made with a focus on environmental justice; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions to support the development of local resiliency plans.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before January 1, 2024, and each January 1 thereafter, the Office of Resilience shall report to the State Treasurer, the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the current status and efficacy of State and local resiliency efforts.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a summary of the activity of the Office of Resilience during the previous calendar year;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>recommendations based on information gathered by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>plans to increase resiliency in the State for the next year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years, including potential funding sources for the plans.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1204" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Office of Resilience"> <level label="a"> <text>With support from appropriate State agencies and State entities, the Office of Resilience shall coordinate strategies and improve interagency coordination to meet the following goals:</text> <level label="1"> <text>ensuring rapid State support following emergencies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>minimizing flooding in residential areas;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>promoting climate–informed investments;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>informing and educating the public on emergency safety and risks;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>building neighborhood resiliency;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>improving coastal resilience;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>adapting agricultural practices to respond to increasing precipitation, temperatures, and soil salinization; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>reducing the potential impact of other hazards identified in the Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science shall coordinate with the Office of Resilience to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a resilience baseline for the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>develop a statewide resilience assessment to support local government benchmarking for use in a statewide resilience tracker to help identify investment needs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>develop indicators to monitor the effectiveness of resilience efforts and establish future goals; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>produce an economic analysis and policy benchmark report to include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an examination of the financial impact of extreme weather or other hazardous events in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an estimate of necessary resources needed to prepare for and reduce the adverse effects of hazardous events in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the identification of available funding sources, including those used by other states; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a comparison of State policies and resilience efforts with those of other vulnerable states, including Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1301" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Essential Goods and Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Price” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for essential services, retail price; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for essential goods, retail or wholesale price.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Replacement costs” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>acquisition costs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>costs that are a result of a contract in which the formula references published market prices; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the actual anticipated costs of replacing an essential good or service offered for sale, based on documented information available at the time of the increase in price.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“State of emergency” means a state of emergency declared by the Governor under § 14–107 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1302" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Essential Goods and Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, during a state of emergency, in the geographic area covered by the state of emergency declaration, a person may not sell or offer to sell goods or services designated as essential by the Governor for a price of 15% or more above the highest price at which the person made actual sales or rentals of those essential goods or services between:</text> <level label="1"> <text>60 days before the state of emergency declaration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>4 days before the state of emergency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, during a state of emergency and for the 90 days following the end of the state of emergency, a person may not sell or offer to sell repair or reconstruction services used for emergency cleanup for a price of 15% or more above the average price charged by the person for those services during the 30 days before the state of emergency.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may increase a price by 15% or more for goods and services if the person can prove that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the price increase is directly attributable to additional costs imposed on the person by the supplier of goods, including replacement costs, costs of credit, and credit card processing costs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the price increase is directly attributable to additional costs for labor or materials used to provide the service or produce the goods, including costs to repair any damage relating to the state of emergency; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the price increase is consistent with seasonal prices charged by the person based on historical data showing prices charged during the season over the past 3 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>At least 20 days before an action is filed under § 14–1303 of this subtitle, the Office of the Attorney General shall provide a person whose actions may be in violation of this section notice of the general relief sought by the Office of the Attorney General to give the person an opportunity to present evidence that the price increase was in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1303" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Essential Goods and Services"> <text>A sale or offer for sale of essential goods and services in violation of § 14–1302 of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice, as defined under Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions of Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article, except for the criminal penalties in § 13–411 of the Commercial Law Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1304" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Essential Goods and Services"> <text>The Secretary of State shall establish a system by which a person may register to receive electronic notifications stating:</text> <level label="1"> <text>that a state of emergency has been declared and an executive order has been issued;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that the provisions of this subtitle are in effect; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the categories of essential goods and services or individual essential goods and services that are covered by the executive order.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1401" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Branch” means the Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Center” means the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Critical infrastructure” means assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, considered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to be so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on one or more of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>security;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>national economic security;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>national public health; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>safety.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Critical infrastructure” includes a hospital or health care facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1402" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="14"> <text>There is a Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch in the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1403" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>The Executive Director shall appoint a Chief Critical Infrastructure Officer for the Branch.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Chief Critical Infrastructure Officer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>administer and operate the Branch, in accordance with this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>implement the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>direct critical infrastructure security efforts across the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>coordinate with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>critical infrastructure industry, local, and federal counterpart organizations;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the National Guard;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Department of Information Technology; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>other key stakeholders identified by the Chief Critical Infrastructure Officer; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>advise the Governor and the Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security on critical infrastructure security issues.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="14-1404" title_number="14" title_name="Emergency Management" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>The Branch shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>identify current and potential threats to the State’s critical infrastructure;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>prioritize the State’s critical infrastructure assets by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in coordination with the Department of Information Technology, the Office of Security Management, and the Public Service Commission, determining the threat level to the State’s critical infrastructure, focusing on foreign actors, domestic actors, and insider threats;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>determining the impacts to the State’s critical infrastructure in the case of a cybersecurity or physical attack;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>understanding the effect that the compromise of one aspect of critical infrastructure may have on another aspect of critical infrastructure;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>engaging and coordinating with critical infrastructure sector leaders, military leaders, and other relevant stakeholders;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>identifying the State’s critical infrastructure operational technology systems; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>supporting the State’s critical infrastructure priority assets by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>connecting priority assets to resources for conducting integrated assessments of the State’s critical infrastructure to detect and document vulnerabilities and operational dependencies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identifying technical and grant opportunities to support remediation of identified vulnerabilities; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>establishing mechanisms to support shared learning and best practices between different critical infrastructure assets.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department of Emergency Management shall coordinate consequence management efforts and respond to cascading impacts of an attack on the State’s critical infrastructure, in accordance with this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department of Information Technology, in consultation with the Center, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>allow the owner or operator of critical infrastructure to become a member of the Maryland Information Sharing and Analysis Center;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide up–to–date cybersecurity reporting standards to an owner or operator of critical infrastructure; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>direct critical infrastructure cybersecurity efforts across the units of State government.</text> </level> </level> </section>