<section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-101" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commission” means the State Fire Prevention Commission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Department” means the Department of State Police.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of State Police.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-201" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Fire Prevention Commission"> <text>There is a State Fire Prevention Commission in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-202" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Fire Prevention Commission"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission consists of nine members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the nine members of the Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>one shall be a member of a career fire company;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>three shall be members of volunteer fire companies;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one shall be an architect or engineer;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>one shall be a building contractor;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>two shall be representatives of industry; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>one shall be a member of the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Of the nine members of the Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>one shall reside in Western Maryland, which is the region that consists of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>one shall reside in Central Maryland, which is the region that consists of Baltimore, Harford, and Howard counties;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one shall reside in Southern Maryland, which is the region that consists of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>one shall reside in the Washington Metropolitan Area, which is the region that consists of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>one shall reside on the Eastern Shore, which is the region that consists of Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>four shall represent the State at large.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint the members with the approval of the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each member shall have experience and training to deal with the matters that are the responsibilities of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2003.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A member may not serve more than 2 terms.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary may remove a member for neglect of duty or other sufficient cause.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-203" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Fire Prevention Commission"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall elect a chairman and vice chairman from among its members.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the chairman is absent, the vice chairman shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the chairman.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-204" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Fire Prevention Commission"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A majority of the authorized membership of the Commission is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may not do business unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>there is a quorum; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>either the chairman or vice chairman is present.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall meet:</text> <level label="1"> <text>at least once every 2 months; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>when called by the chairman or the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member of the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; 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> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-205" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Fire Prevention Commission"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission may make recommendations to the Secretary about the daily operations of the office of State Fire Marshal, including recommendations about budget and personnel matters, but the Commission does not have direct line authority over the administration of the office of State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission may issue subpoenas and administer oaths in connection with any public hearing held under this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before September 30 of each year, the Commission shall transmit to the Governor and the Secretary an annual report of the Commission’s activities.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>At least once each year, the Commission shall promote and conduct seminars, conferences, workshops, and meetings to inform the public and fire fighting personnel of the latest techniques in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fire prevention programs and procedures;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>life safety measures;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>changes in the State Fire Prevention Code; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>development of improved fire safety goals.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-206" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Fire Prevention Commission"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>To protect life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion, the Commission shall adopt comprehensive regulations as a State Fire Prevention Code.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Fire Prevention Code shall comply with standard safe practice as embodied in widely recognized standards of good practice for fire prevention and fire protection.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The State Fire Prevention Code has the force and effect of law in the political subdivisions of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the regulations adopted under this subsection do not apply to existing installations, plants, or equipment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Commission determines that an installation, plant, or equipment is a hazard so harmful to the public safety as to require correction, the regulations adopted under this subsection apply to the installation, plant, or equipment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Regulations adopted under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>incorporate by reference sections 30.7.5 and 31.7.5 of the National Fire Protection Association 101 Life Safety Code (2024 Edition); and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>permit trash and recycling materials awaiting scheduled collection to be placed in corridors and exits in accordance with the provisions described in item (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations to establish and administer a fee schedule for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>reviewing building plans to ensure compliance with the State Fire Prevention Code; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>conducting inspections in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall review the fee schedule annually to ensure that the money collected at least covers the costs of administering plan review and conducting inspections.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subsection does not limit the authority of a local authority to establish a fee schedule for plan review and inspections conducted by the local authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Before adopting a regulation, the Commission shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposed regulation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission shall publish notice of the hearing at least 15 days before the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At the same time, the Commission shall send a copy of the notice to each person who has filed a request for notification with the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The notice shall contain the time, place, and subject of the hearing and the place and times to examine the proposed regulation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Prevention Code establishes the minimum requirements to protect life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a State or local law or regulation is more stringent than the State Fire Prevention Code, the more stringent law or regulation governs if the more stringent law or regulation is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>not inconsistent with the State Fire Prevention Code; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>not contrary to recognized standards and good engineering practices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If there is a question whether a State or local law or regulation governs, the decision of the Commission determines:</text> <level label="i"> <text>which law or regulation governs; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>whether State and local officials have complied with the State Fire Prevention Code.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Commission shall make available for public information a copy of the State Fire Prevention Code, and any amendments to the State Fire Prevention Code, in each county courthouse in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-207" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Fire Prevention Commission"> <text>The exercise of all powers and authority and the performance of all duties and functions vested in the Commission under this article are subject to the powers and authority of the Secretary set forth in Title 2 of this article or elsewhere in State law.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-301" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <text>There is an office of State Fire Marshal in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-302" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint a State Fire Marshal from a list of three names submitted by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be a graduate of an accredited college or university; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>have 5 years of recent progressively responsible experience, at least 3 years of which shall have been at the administrative level, in fire prevention inspection, fire investigation, fire safety promotion, fire protection engineering, fire fighting, or teaching fire safety engineering.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Fire Marshal serves for a term of 6 years.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Fire Marshal is in the executive service of the State Personnel Management System.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>At any time, the Secretary may remove the State Fire Marshal for neglect of duty or other conduct unbecoming the office.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may recommend to the Secretary that the State Fire Marshal be removed for cause.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Before removing the State Fire Marshal, the Secretary shall give the State Fire Marshal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>timely notice with a statement of the charges; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an opportunity for a public hearing on the charges.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may be represented at the hearing by counsel.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The State Fire Marshal is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-303" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The full time investigative and inspection assistants in the office shall be known as deputy State fire marshals.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Deputy State fire marshals shall meet the minimum qualifications and complete the training required by the Police Training and Standards Commission for a police officer.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The qualification and training requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection do not apply to the fire inspectors and fire investigators of the political subdivisions of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may designate civilian employees to conduct inspections and submit reports as necessary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The minimum qualifications for a civilian employee shall be completion of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1031.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-304" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A county or municipal corporation of the State may designate with the approval of the State Fire Marshal, or may request that the State Fire Marshal designate, a fire marshal or appropriate fire official to serve as assistant State fire marshal to carry out this title, including issuing orders, in that county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An assistant State fire marshal may not receive compensation from the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall carry out this title in a county or municipal corporation that does not have a designated assistant State fire marshal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall adopt regulations establishing requirements for all individuals designated as an assistant State fire marshal or a special assistant State fire marshal under subsection (a)(1) of this section, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>minimum training, certification, and other standards relating to fire inspection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>minimum training, certification, and other standards for fire plan review, a fire plan examiner, or fire plan engineering staff;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>minimum training, certification, and other standards relating to fire investigation;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>acceptable minimum standards for the eligibility of an individual to serve as an assistant State fire marshal or a special assistant State fire marshal; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>policies for application for, review of, expiration of, renewal of, and probationary status for the positions of assistant State fire marshal and special assistant State fire marshal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may administer an examination based on NFPA standards as relevant for the requirements listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection before designating an individual as an assistant State fire marshal or special assistant State fire marshal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may designate as a special assistant State fire marshal:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a law enforcement officer involved in arson investigations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any other suitable individual who meets the standards established under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>on the advice of an assistant State fire marshal, a member of a fire department if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the designee is a full–time employee of the fire department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the designee performs fire inspections or fire investigations for the fire department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the fire department is organized and operates in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A special assistant State fire marshal serves at the pleasure of the State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A special assistant State fire marshal may not receive compensation from the State.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Each special assistant State fire marshal shall assist the State Fire Marshal in carrying out the duties of the State Fire Marshal under this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commission may remove an assistant or special assistant State fire marshal for just cause by a majority decision:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on the recommendation of the State Fire Marshal; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>after an administrative hearing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-305" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall enforce:</text> <level label="1"> <text>all laws of the State that relate to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the prevention of fire;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the storage, sale, and use of explosives, combustibles, or other dangerous articles, in solid, liquid, or gaseous form;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the installation and maintenance of all kinds of equipment intended to control, detect, or extinguish fire;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the means and adequacy of exit, in case of fire, from buildings and all other places in which individuals work, live, or congregate, except buildings that are used solely as dwelling houses for no more than two families; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the suppression of arson;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the regulations adopted by the Commission under Subtitle 2 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any requirements relating to the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in new one– and two–family dwellings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>By delegation of authority vested in the Commission and within policy established by the Commission, the State Fire Marshal shall implement fire safety programs in the State to minimize fire hazards and disasters and loss of life and property from these causes, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the establishment and enforcement of fire safety practices throughout the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>preventive inspection and correction activities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>coordination of fire safety programs with volunteer and career fire companies and other State agencies and political subdivisions exercising enforcement aspects; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>critical analysis and evaluation of State fire loss statistics to determine problems and solutions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On request, the State Fire Marshal shall assist in fire prevention matters:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a chief of a fire company or department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a legally designated fire marshal of a county or municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a unit or agency of the State or a county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Marshal, assistant State fire marshals, and special assistant State fire marshals shall develop for each property owned or leased by the State:</text> <level label="i"> <text>fire safety procedures, including fire drills at least quarterly; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>emergency evacuation procedures.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information about fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures shall be available to all State employees on request.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall require the State unit exercising control over the property owned or leased by the State to keep records of fire drills or other exercises that relate to fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures conducted in the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may issue permits and licenses as required under this article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>On request, the State Fire Marshal may assist police and fire authorities to dispose of hazardous devices and substances.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-306" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article, a fire department or rescue squad of the State or a political subdivision of the State, a volunteer fire company or rescue squad, or an ambulance service licensed under § 13-515 of the Education Article may request the State Fire Marshal or other authorized agency that has access to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to conduct an initial criminal history records check on an applicant for employment or appointment as a volunteer or career firefighter, rescue squad member, or paramedic.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The request shall be made on the form required by the State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant for employment or appointment as a volunteer or career firefighter, rescue squad member, or paramedic shall provide a classifiable set of fingerprints in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for submission to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository for a criminal history records check; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for forwarding to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The applicant shall provide the fingerprints on a form approved by the Director of the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>On request of the State Fire Marshal or an appropriate authority designated by rule of the State Fire Marshal, the applicant shall provide the fingerprints to the State Fire Marshal or the designated authority.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a jurisdiction that has designated an assistant State fire marshal, on request of the assistant State fire marshal an applicant in the jurisdiction shall provide the fingerprints to the assistant State fire marshal.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A fire department or rescue squad operated by the State or a political subdivision of the State or a volunteer fire company or rescue squad may obtain conviction and arrest records produced by a criminal history records check based on a classifiable set of fingerprints.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A volunteer or career fire company or rescue squad may consider the existence of a criminal conviction in determining whether to employ or appoint an applicant.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-307" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall inspect for fire exits and reasonable safety standards:</text> <level label="i"> <text>all institutions owned by the State or a county or municipal corporation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>all schools, theaters, churches, and other places of public assembly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall report the findings of an inspection and any recommendations to the individual in charge of the institution or other place that was inspected.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to a building or premises actually occupied as a private dwelling.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may enter a building or premises within the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal at reasonable hours to conduct an inspection that the State Fire Marshal considers necessary under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual, including an employee of the State Fire Marshal, may not give prior notice of an inspection authorized under this subtitle without the written approval of the State Fire Marshal or designee of the State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to regulations adopted by the Commission, whenever the State Fire Marshal or designee of the State Fire Marshal inspects a place of employment, a representative of the employer and an authorized employee representative shall be given an opportunity to accompany the State Fire Marshal or designee during the inspection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If there is no authorized employee representative, the State Fire Marshal or designee shall consult with a reasonable number of employees about matters of safety and health in the place of employment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “trade secret” means a confidential formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is used in an employer’s business;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use the information; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is known only to the employer and those employees to whom it is necessary to confide the information.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, any information reported to or otherwise obtained by the State Fire Marshal or designee of the State Fire Marshal in connection with an inspection or proceeding under this subtitle that contains or might reveal a trade secret is confidential.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph may be disclosed only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to other officers or employees responsible for carrying out this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if relevant in a proceeding under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In a proceeding under this subtitle, the State Fire Marshal, designee of the State Fire Marshal, or a court of competent jurisdiction, as applicable, shall issue appropriate orders to protect the confidentiality of a trade secret.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-308" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Fire Marshal shall collect the fees established by the Commission under § 6-206 of this title for conducting inspections.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may not collect a fee for inspecting property that is owned by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State or a county or municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a government-affiliated or volunteer fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection, “plan review” means the review of all construction drawings and specifications for commercial and residential construction.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Plan review” includes the review of site, architectural, mechanical, electrical, sprinkler, fire alarm, and special extinguishing systems drawings and specifications.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>construction of one- and two-family dwellings; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>construction for which plan review is conducted by the local authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall collect the fees established by the Commission under § 6-206 of this title for reviewing building plans to ensure compliance with the State Fire Prevention Code.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The fee for plan review shall be submitted with the plans.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>keep records of all fees collected under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay the money collected under this section into the General Fund.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-309" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>At any time, the State Fire Marshal may investigate the origin or circumstances of a fire or explosion or an attempt to cause a fire or explosion that occurs in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At any time, the State Fire Marshal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may enter into and examine a building or premises where a fire is burning or where a fire or attempt to cause a fire has occurred;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may enter into a building or premises adjacent to a building or premises where a fire or attempt to cause a fire has occurred; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may take full control and custody of the building or premises and place an individual that the State Fire Marshal considers proper in charge of the building or premises, until the examination and investigation of the State Fire Marshal is completed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-310" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>take the testimony under oath of any person suspected to know or to have the means to know any facts that relate to the matter that is the subject of the inspection or investigation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>cause the testimony to be reduced to writing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall transmit a copy of the testimony taken under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the State’s Attorney for the county where the fire or explosion or attempt to cause a fire or explosion occurred.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses to testify in relation to any matter that is the subject of an investigation by the State Fire Marshal under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>issue subpoenas requiring the production of documents that relate to any matter that is the subject of an investigation by the State Fire Marshal under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>administer oaths to witnesses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who testifies falsely under oath in a matter or proceeding of the State Fire Marshal under this subtitle is guilty of perjury and on conviction is subject to the penalties for perjury.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-311" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>If in the judgment of the State Fire Marshal testimony taken under oath discloses that a fire or explosion or an attempt to cause a fire or explosion was of incendiary origin or was related to a destructive device, as defined in § 4-501 of the Criminal Law Article, the State Fire Marshal may arrest the suspected incendiary or cause the suspected incendiary to be arrested and charged.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If on investigation the State Fire Marshal has probable cause to believe that a person has committed or has attempted to commit a crime that involves a fire, fire bombing, or false alarm, or that involves the possession or manufacture of destructive devices or explosive substances, fireworks, or fire bombs, the State Fire Marshal may arrest that person or cause the person to be arrested and charged.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-312" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>At the request of the governing body of a county or municipal corporation of the State, the State Fire Marshal shall make a written report of the investigation of a fire that occurred within that county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At the request of the owner or insurer of property destroyed or damaged by fire or explosion, or in which an attempt to cause a fire or explosion may have occurred, the State Fire Marshal shall make a written report of the result of the investigation regarding the property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-315" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Fire Marshal, a designee of the State Fire Marshal, a full-time fire investigator who is a member of a fire department, or a police officer may apply to a judge of the District Court or a circuit court for an administrative search warrant to enter a vehicle, building, or premises where a fire has occurred to conduct a search to determine the cause and origin of the fire.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An application under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be signed and sworn to by the applicant; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>particularly describe the vehicle, building, or premises to be searched and the nature, scope, and purpose of the search to be performed by the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A judge of the District Court or a circuit court may issue the warrant on finding that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a fire of undetermined origin has occurred;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the scope of the proposed search is reasonable and will not intrude unnecessarily on the fire victim’s privacy;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the search will be executed at a reasonable and convenient time; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the owner, tenant, or other individual in charge of the property has denied access to the property, or after making a reasonable effort, the applicant has been unable to locate any of these individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An administrative search warrant issued under this section shall specify the vehicle, building, or premises to be searched.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The search conducted may not exceed the limits specified in the warrant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An administrative search warrant issued under this section shall be executed and returned to the judge who issued it within:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the time specified in the warrant, not exceeding 30 days; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if no time period is specified in the warrant, 15 days after its issuance.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-316" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Fire Marshal, a designee of the State Fire Marshal, or a full-time fire prevention inspector who is employed by a fire department may apply to a judge of the District Court or a circuit court for an administrative search warrant to enter a building or premises to conduct a fire prevention inspection.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An application under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be signed and sworn to by the applicant; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>particularly describe the building or premises to be searched and the nature, scope, and purpose of the search to be performed by the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A judge of the District Court or a circuit court may issue the warrant on finding that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant is authorized or required by law to make the inspection;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the applicant has demonstrated that the inspection of the premises is sought as a result of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>evidence of an existing violation of this article that relates to fire safety, the State Fire Prevention Code, or a local fire prevention code, if applicable; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a general and neutral administrative plan to conduct fire prevention inspections;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the owner, tenant, or other individual in charge of the property has denied access to the property, or after making a reasonable effort, the applicant has been unable to locate any of these individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the inspection is sought for safety related purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An administrative search warrant issued under this section shall specify the building or premises to be searched.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The inspection conducted may not exceed the limits specified in the warrant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An administrative search warrant issued under this section shall be executed and returned to the judge who issued it within:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the time specified in the warrant, not exceeding 30 days; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if no time period is specified in the warrant, 15 days after its issuance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Information obtained in accordance with an administrative search warrant under this section is confidential and may not be disclosed except:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to the extent used in an administrative or judicial proceeding that arises out of a violation that relates to the purpose for which the warrant was issued and within the scope of the warrant; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to an owner or occupant of the building or premises.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-317" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, maintain, or use a building, structure, or equipment or use land:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in a way that endangers life or property due to the hazards of fire or explosion; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in violation of any regulation adopted by the Commission under § 6-206 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each day on which a violation of this section continues after knowledge or official notice of the violation is a separate offense.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-318" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Fire Marshal may issue a reasonable abatement order if the State Fire Marshal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>determines that a building or structure has been constructed, altered, or repaired in a manner that violates a regulation adopted by the Commission before the construction, alteration, or repairs began;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>determines that a building or structure:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is a fire hazard because of disrepair, age, dilapidated or abandoned condition, or for any other reason; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>endangers other buildings and property; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>finds in a building or on premises a combustible, flammable, or explosive substance or material, or other condition dangerous to the safety of individuals who occupy the building or premises and adjacent premises or property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An abatement order under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be directed to the owner or occupant of the building, structure, or premises; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>contain a notice that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>compliance with the order is required within the time specified in the notice; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any person aggrieved by the order may file an appeal from the order in accordance with Subtitle 5 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The abatement order may order:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the repair or demolition of the building or structure or the removal of the combustible, flammable, or explosive substance or material; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the remedying of any condition found to be in violation of a regulation adopted by the Commission or to be dangerous to the safety of individuals or property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-319" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>An abatement order directed to the occupant of the premises shall be served within 5 days after the order is issued:</text> <level label="1"> <text>by delivering a true copy of the order to the occupant or to an adult who is apparently in charge of the premises; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if no occupant or adult is found on the premises:</text> <level label="i"> <text>by posting a true copy of the order in a conspicuous place on the door or other prominent entrance to the premises; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the occupant at the occupant’s last known address; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the address of the occupant is not known, by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the occupant in care of general delivery at the post office that serves the community where the premises are located.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An abatement order directed to the owner of the premises shall be served within 5 days after the order is issued:</text> <level label="1"> <text>by delivering a true copy of the order to the owner; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the owner is absent from the State or the owner’s whereabouts are unknown to the State Fire Marshal:</text> <level label="i"> <text>by posting a true copy of the order in a conspicuous place on the door or other prominent entrance to the premises; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner at the owner’s last known address; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the address of the owner is not known, by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner in care of general delivery at the post office that serves the community where the premises are located.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-320" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <level label="a"> <text>If an owner or occupant of a building, structure, or premises who is served with a copy of an abatement order in accordance with § 6-319 of this subtitle fails to comply with the order within 30 days after the order is issued, or within 30 days after a court’s affirmation of the order becomes final, the State Fire Marshal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may enter the building, structure, or premises affected by the order; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>at the expense of the owner or occupant, may cause:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the building, structure, or premises to be repaired or demolished;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the combustible, flammable, or explosive materials to be removed; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the dangerous conditions to be remedied.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the owner or occupant fails to reimburse the State Fire Marshal for the expenses incurred by the State Fire Marshal under subsection (a) of this section within 30 days after written demand is mailed to the owner or occupant at the owner’s or occupant’s last known address, the State Fire Marshal may sue in the name of the State to recover the expenses, with interest, in a court of competent jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the owner or occupant fails to comply with the abatement order after the period of time specified in subsection (a) of this section, the governing body of a county or municipal corporation may cooperate with the State Fire Marshal in repairing, demolishing, or otherwise remedying dangerous conditions in a building or structure in the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lien shall attach to the property on which the building or structure stood in the amount of the expense of the work done by the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-321" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <text>If a building, structure, or equipment is or is proposed to be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, maintained, or used, or if land is or is proposed to be used in a way that endangers life or property due to the hazards of fire or explosion or in violation of this article or of any regulation adopted by the Commission under this article, the Commission, State Fire Marshal, or Attorney General may, in addition to other remedies provided by law, file an action for injunction, mandamus, or abatement or any other appropriate action to prevent, enjoin, abate, or remove the unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance, or use.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-322" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Fire Marshal"> <text>The exercise of all powers and authority and the performance of all duties and functions vested in the State Fire Marshal under this article are subject to the powers and authority of the Secretary set forth in Title 2 of this article or elsewhere in State law.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-401" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Baltimore City"> <text>The powers, duties, and jurisdiction conferred by this article on the Commission and the State Fire Marshal, and any code, regulation, or practice adopted by them under the authority of this article, apply in Baltimore City only to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>properties owned or operated by the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>hospitals, nursing homes, and similar institutions that require State licensure; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the licensing of fire sprinkler contractors.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-402" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Baltimore City"> <text>On request of the chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, the Commission and State Fire Marshal shall provide any assistance necessary to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>enforce fire prevention regulations in Baltimore City; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>investigate the cause or origin of a fire in Baltimore City.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-403" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Baltimore City"> <text>The Baltimore City Fire Department shall report to the appropriate agency any noncompliance with the fire prevention code or regulations of Baltimore City or the fire prevention requirements of the State or federal government:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on property that is owned by the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in a hospital, nursing home, institution, or school that is licensed by the State or that receives any money from the State or federal government.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-501" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Appeals"> <text>An appeal to the Commission may be taken by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a person who is aggrieved by an order or decision of the State Fire Marshal made in the administration or enforcement of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an officer, unit, or agency of the State or a political subdivision of the State that is affected by an order or decision of the State Fire Marshal made in the administration or enforcement of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-502" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Appeals"> <text>The time within which an appeal under § 6-501 of this subtitle must be taken, and the effect, form, and other procedures that relate to the appeal, shall be as specified in regulations adopted by the Commission.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-503" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Appeals"> <text>A party who is aggrieved by a final decision of the Commission is entitled to judicial review of the decision as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-601" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not knowingly violate this title or a regulation adopted by the Commission.</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 10 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="6-602" title_number="6" title_name="State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not willfully interfere with or obstruct the State Fire Marshal, a deputy State fire marshal, or a special assistant State fire marshal while the State Fire Marshal, deputy State fire marshal, or special assistant State fire marshal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is fighting a fire, performing emergency service, or proceeding to a fire or other emergency; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is dispatched on a call for emergency service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not willfully interfere with or obstruct the State Fire Marshal, a deputy State fire marshal, or a special assistant State fire marshal in the course of conducting an inspection or investigating a fire or explosion.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not, with fraudulent design on person or property, falsely represent that the person is a State fire marshal or a sworn employee of the office of State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person may not have, use, wear, or display without proper authority, for the purpose of deception, a uniform, shield, button, ornament, identification, or shoulder patch, or a simulation or imitation of these articles, adopted by the office of State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.</text> </level> </section>