<section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-101" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Central Repository” has the meaning stated in § 10-201 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Criminal Justice Information System” has the meaning stated in § 10-201 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“For-hire driver’s license” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a passenger-for-hire license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a taxicab driver’s license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Limousine service” means operating a motor vehicle for hire using a motor vehicle classified as a Class Q (limousine) vehicle under § 13–939 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Limousine service” does not include providing taxicab services, sedan services, or transportation network services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Operate a motor vehicle for hire” means to transport or offer to transport a person in a motor vehicle in exchange for remuneration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Operate a motor vehicle for hire” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>providing passenger-for-hire services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>providing taxicab services.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Provide passenger–for–hire services” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>providing limousine services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>providing sedan services; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>providing transportation network services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Provide taxicab services” means to operate a motor vehicle for hire that, in addition to other services:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is advertised or held out to the public as a taxicab or as providing taxicab services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>regardless of how or when engaged, provides for-hire service between points chosen by the passenger and for a fare that is based on the distance traveled, the time elapsed, or both; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is engaged by the passenger for service between points chosen by the passenger that is provided through:</text> <level label="i"> <text>hail from the street or other location; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>request made at a taxi stand or other location where the motor vehicle is standing and waiting for a request for service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Remuneration” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a fare;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a fee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a toll;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a gratuity; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>personal services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sedan service” means operating a motor vehicle for hire using a motor vehicle designed to carry 15 or fewer individuals, including the driver.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sedan service” does not include providing taxicab services, limousine services, or transportation network services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Taxicab driver’s license” means a license issued by the Commission to an individual that provides taxicab services.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Transportation network company” means a company that operates in the State using a digital network to connect passengers to transportation network operators or transportation network partners for transportation network services.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Transportation network operator”, “transportation network partner”, or “transportation network driver” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has been issued a transportation network operator’s license, or is otherwise authorized, by the Commission to provide transportation network services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>receives, through a transportation network company’s digital network application, a connection to a potential passenger to transport the passenger between points chosen by the passenger in exchange for the payment of a fee to the transportation network company; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>uses a motor vehicle that is owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the individual and is approved for use in providing transportation network services by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Transportation network services” means the activities of an operator during:</text> <level label="i"> <text>transportation network coverage period one, during which the operator is logged onto and ready to accept a prearranged ride request made through a transportation network company’s digital network application;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>transportation network coverage period two, during which the operator accepts a ride request from a passenger that is prearranged through a transportation network company’s digital network application, and is traveling to a predetermined location to pick up the passenger; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>transportation network coverage period three, during which the operator transports the passenger and continuing until the passenger departs the motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Transportation network services” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>providing taxicab services, sedan services, or limousine services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any shared expense carpool arrangement or service or other type of arrangement or service in which a driver receives a fee that does not exceed the driver’s costs associated with providing a ride; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>transportation services that a nonprofit organization provides through the use of a volunteer driver and the volunteer driver’s personal vehicle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-102" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle supplements other law relating to the operation and licensing of motor vehicles.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This title applies to any motor vehicle used in the transportation of persons in exchange for remuneration except:</text> <level label="1"> <text>motor vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>transportation solely provided by or on behalf of a unit of federal, State, or local government, or a nonprofit organization as identified in § 501(c)(3) and (4) of the Internal Revenue Code, that requires a criminal history records check and driving record check for its drivers, for clients of services including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>aging support;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>developmental and other disabilities;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>kidney dialysis;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Medical Assistance Program;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Head Start;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Welfare–to–Work;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>mental health; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>job training.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subsection (b)(2) of this section may not be construed to limit the application of this title or Title 9 of this article to a for–hire driver or other person who operates a motor vehicle for hire or provides transportation of persons for hire in addition to providing transportation services to clients of services listed in subsection (b)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (b)(2) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a nonprofit organization that provides transportation for remuneration to clients of services listed in subsection (b)(2) of this section may not be required to obtain a motor carrier permit under Title 9 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a driver employed by the nonprofit organization may not be required to obtain a for–hire driver’s license or other authorization from the Commission to perform transportation services solely under subsection (b)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A driver employed or offered employment by a governmental unit or nonprofit organization under subsection (b)(2) of this section shall apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a State criminal history records check on or before the first day of the driver’s actual employment.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As part of the application for a State criminal history records check, the driver employed or offered employment by the governmental unit or nonprofit organization shall submit to the Central Repository:</text> <level label="i"> <text>one complete set of the driver’s legible fingerprints taken on a form approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to State criminal history records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall provide a printed statement listing the driver’s criminal convictions to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the governmental unit or nonprofit organization; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the driver.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If criminal history record information is reported to the Central Repository after the date of the initial criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide a revised printed statement listing the driver’s criminal convictions to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the governmental unit or nonprofit organization; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the driver.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the governmental unit or nonprofit organization shall verify periodically a list of its drivers.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Information the governmental unit or nonprofit organization obtains from the Central Repository under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>confidential and may not be redisseminated; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>used only for the employment purpose authorized by this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In accordance with § 10–223 of the Criminal Procedure Article, a driver employed by a governmental unit or nonprofit organization may challenge the contents of a printed statement or revised printed statement issued by the Central Repository.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>This subtitle does not limit the power of a political subdivision of the State to adopt reasonable traffic regulations such as:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the designation of taxicab stands; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the restriction or prohibition of cruising along a public street when the cruising would menace the public safety or unduly congest traffic.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-103" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person may not operate a motor vehicle for hire in the State under a permit or authorization to transport passengers issued by the Commission or the appropriate local authority unless the person holds a for–hire driver’s license or a transportation network operator’s license issued by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A county or municipal corporation may license taxicab drivers who drive taxicabs that are based in that county or municipal corporation if, at a minimum, the county or municipal corporation:</text> <level label="i"> <text>conducts a criminal record check of each applicant for a license;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>conducts a driving record check of each applicant for a license; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>requires that each applicant for a license include in the application documentation verifying that the applicant completed a human trafficking awareness training in accordance with § 10–104.2 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A taxicab driver licensed by a county or municipal corporation is not required to be licensed by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Washington Metropolitan Area Transit District” means the transit district created under § 10–204 of the Transportation Article and includes, for the State, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and the political subdivisions located within those counties.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“WMATC” means the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission created under § 10–204 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person providing transportation network services in the portion of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit District located within the State must hold a transportation network operator’s license issued by the Commission unless the person is providing a trip for which WMATC requires a certificate of authority.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-104" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant for a for–hire driver’s license shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>submit to the Commission a completed application on the form that the Commission provides;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>state on the form that the applicant is applying for a passenger–for–hire driver’s license or a taxicab driver’s license;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>pay to the Commission an application fee set by the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>if the applicant is a Maryland driver, allow the Commission access to the driver’s photograph through the Motor Vehicle Administration; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>file with the application a recent photograph in a format that the Commission specifies;</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>submit to the Commission documentation verifying that the applicant completed a human trafficking awareness training in accordance with § 10–104.2 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a State criminal history records check as provided in subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>require a driving record check of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>attach a photograph to the for–hire driver’s license when issued; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>file a photograph with the for–hire driver’s record.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>As part of the application for a criminal history records check, the applicant shall submit to the Central Repository:</text> <level label="i"> <text>one complete set of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken on forms approved by the Director of the Central Repository; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In response to an application for an initial criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide to the Commission and the applicant a printed statement of the applicant’s State criminal record.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If criminal history record information is reported to the Central Repository after the date of the initial criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide to the Commission and the applicant or licensee a revised printed statement of the applicant’s or licensee’s State criminal record.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission shall verify periodically a list of licensed for–hire drivers.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Information the Commission obtains from the Central Repository under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>confidential and may not be redisseminated; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>used only for the licensing purposes described in this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>As provided by this paragraph, an applicant for a for–hire driver’s license or a licensee may contest the contents of a printed statement or a revised printed statement issued by the Central Repository.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To contest the contents of a printed statement or a revised printed statement, an applicant or a licensee shall contact the office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary’s designee.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary’s designee, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>convene a hearing within 20 workdays, unless subsequently waived by the applicant or the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>render a decision within 5 workdays after the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For the purposes of this paragraph, the record of a court disposition or a copy of the record certified by the clerk of the court or by a judge of the court in which the disposition occurred shall be conclusive evidence of the disposition.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>In a case where a pending charge is recorded, documentation provided by a court to the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary’s designee, that a pending charge for a crime which has not been finally adjudicated shall be conclusive evidence of the pending charge.</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Failure of the applicant or a licensee to appear at the scheduled hearing shall be considered grounds for dismissal of the contest.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>In addition to a State criminal history records check under this subsection, and subject to Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Commission may require an applicant to obtain a criminal history records check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An applicant who is required by the Commission to obtain a criminal history records check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>apply to the Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a national criminal history records check;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submit to the Central Repository one complete set of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken on forms approved by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>submit to the Central Repository the mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Commission may use a private agency to provide a background check on an applicant or licensee under this section, as determined by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>After the initial printed statement has been received from the Central Repository, the Commission shall issue a passenger–for–hire driver’s license or a taxicab driver’s license, as appropriate, to each applicant that meets the requirements of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The passenger–for–hire driver’s license and the taxicab driver’s license shall be in the form that the Commission provides.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commission may deny an applicant a license or suspend or revoke the license of a licensee if the applicant or licensee has been convicted of a crime that bears a direct relationship to the applicant’s or licensee’s fitness to serve the public as a for–hire driver.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-104.1" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a for–hire driver’s license may not provide sedan services, limousine services, or taxicab services unless the Commission has authorized the applicant to operate on a provisional basis or has issued a valid temporary or permanent driver’s license to provide sedan services, limousine services, or taxicab services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission may approve an applicant and issue a temporary driver’s license to the applicant if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant provides all information that the Commission requires for the application, including the information specified in item (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Commission is satisfied with the successful submission of the applicant’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>national criminal history records check:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conducted by a consumer reporting agency as defined under § 14–1201 of the Commercial Law Article or a comparable entity approved by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that includes:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>a Multi–State Multi–Jurisdiction Criminal Records Database Search or a search of a similar nationwide database with validation;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>a search of the Sex Offender Registry; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>a search of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public website; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>driving record check that includes a driving history research report; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the applicant submits to the Commission documentation verifying that the applicant completed a human trafficking awareness training in accordance with § 10–104.2 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Commission may issue a permanent for–hire driver’s license to an applicant on the submission of a satisfactory supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For taxicab services, the applicant must submit, within 30 days of the issuance of a temporary license, a satisfactory supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Before December 15, 2016, the Commission may not require an applicant for a for–hire driver’s license to comply with subsection (c) of this section if a sedan company or limousine company for which the applicant will provide services, at the time it applies for a permit, provides to the Commission details of the process the sedan company or limousine company uses to collect, review, and submit the information specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A sedan company or limousine company may request that the Commission waive the requirement to comply with subsection (c) of this section and instead comply with subsection (b)(2) of this section for applicants and drivers of the sedan company or limousine company.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On receipt of a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>determine whether the sedan company’s or limousine company’s process for complying with subsection (b)(2) of this section can be shown to be as comprehensive and accurate as complying with the supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>within 3 months after receiving the request, determine whether to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>grant the waiver;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>deny the waiver; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>approve an alternative process.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A sedan company, limousine company, or taxicab company may submit the information under subsection (b) of this section on behalf of an applicant.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations that provide a process that is as expeditious as possible and uses electronic means for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the submission of the information under subsection (b) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the issuance of a temporary or permanent driver’s license and alternative authority to operate on a provisional basis; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the renewal of a driver’s license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Records or information provided to the Commission by a sedan company, limousine company, or taxicab company under this section are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may not disclose records or information provided to the Commission under this section to any person unless the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On notice that a person is seeking records or information under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission shall promptly notify the sedan company, limousine company, or taxicab company before disclosing the records or information.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-104.2" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a license issued in accordance with § 10–103(b) of this subtitle or under § 10–104, § 10–104.1, or § 10–106 of this subtitle shall include in the application documentation verifying that the applicant completed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Leaders Against Human Trafficking/Combating Human Trafficking in the Transportation Awareness Training; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any nationally recognized human trafficking awareness training program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A human trafficking awareness training that an applicant completes under subsection (a) of this section must include information on how to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>recognize potential victims of human trafficking;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>respond to an individual who may be or is a victim of human trafficking; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>report suspected incidents of human trafficking to appropriate authorities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A licensed taxicab driver or for–hire driver may not be held civilly or criminally liable for reporting or responding in good faith to a suspected incident of human trafficking.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-105" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>After an administrative review, the Commission shall deny an application for a license if the public convenience and necessity requires the denial because of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the physical or mental condition of the applicant; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the criminal record of the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If an applicant’s application for a license is denied under subsection (a) of this section, the applicant may request a hearing by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may have the license hearing officer conduct the hearing in accordance with § 10-110 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Commission refuses to issue a license, the applicant may seek judicial review of the refusal under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-106" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The term of a for–hire driver’s license is not less than 1 year and not more than 3 years, as the Commission sets.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant for a renewal of a for–hire driver’s license shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>submit to the Commission an application on the form that the Commission provides; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>include in the application documentation verifying that the applicant completed a human trafficking awareness training in accordance with § 10–104.2 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may renew the for–hire driver’s license by appropriate endorsement on the license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission shall keep on file with the original application of a driver a complete record of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>each for–hire driver’s license issued to the driver; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any renewal, suspension, and revocation of a for–hire driver’s license issued to the driver.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-107" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>The Commission may issue a temporary license and, if applicable, a badge to an applicant for a period not exceeding 30 days.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-108" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A for-hire driver shall have the for-hire driver’s license in the driver’s possession whenever operating a motor vehicle for hire.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A for-hire driver may not deface, remove, or obliterate an official entry made on the for-hire driver’s license.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A violation of this subsection shall be punished by suspension or revocation of the for-hire driver’s license as provided under § 10-110 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-109" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>If a passenger elects to use a route where a highway or bridge toll charge occurs, the for-hire driver shall assess the passenger the cost of the highway or bridge toll charge.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-110" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a position of license hearing officer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The license hearing officer shall be appointed by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The license hearing officer serves at the pleasure of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The license hearing officer is entitled to compensation in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The license hearing officer may hold a hearing involving a violation of this division or the Commission’s regulations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>by a for–hire driver licensed by the Commission, including a transportation network operator, transportation network partner, or transportation network driver licensed or otherwise authorized by the Commission to provide transportation network services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>except for a violation relating to rates, by a holder of a taxicab permit issued by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>by a sedan company, limousine company, taxicab company, or transportation network company.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The license hearing officer shall file with the Commission, and simultaneously serve on all parties, a proposed order and findings of fact.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The proposed order shall become final unless appealed as provided in § 3-113(d) of this article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Whenever a for-hire driver’s license or taxicab permit is suspended or revoked, or a civil penalty is imposed on the for-hire driver or taxicab permit holder, the for-hire driver or taxicab permit holder:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may request a rehearing in accordance with § 3-114 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may seek judicial review under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Commission shall furnish to the permit holder a copy of the charges against a for-hire driver and the related decision of the license hearing officer and the Commission.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-111" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>Notwithstanding § 2-110 of this article, the Commission may seek adequate funding in the State budget and employ adequate staffing in order to implement the responsibilities set forth in this title and Title 9, Subtitle 2 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-112" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a For–Hire Driving Services Enforcement Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <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="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide adequate resources for the Commission to enforce the requirements of this title concerning for–hire driving services.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund consists of assessments made on permits for vehicles regulated by the Commission to provide for–hire driving services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall establish an assessment not exceeding $40 to be paid annually with respect to each vehicle permit to provide for–hire driving services, except for a vehicle permit to be used exclusively for employee van transportation to or from a designated work site.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund is to be used solely for statewide enforcement activities of the Commission relating to for–hire driving services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-201" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <text>This subtitle applies to a person providing taxicab services under a taxicab permit or taxicab driver’s license issued by the Commission.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-202" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A person must have a permit issued by the Commission whenever the person operates as a taxicab business in or from a point in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, the City of Cumberland, or the City of Hagerstown.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The provisions of this division relating to taxicabs or of any public local law relating to taxicabs do not limit the jurisdiction of the Commission over a taxicab business as a common carrier even if the taxicab business operates in a jurisdiction other than Baltimore City, Baltimore County, the City of Cumberland, or the City of Hagerstown.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-203" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant for a permit to operate a taxicab business shall submit to the Commission an application on the form that the Commission provides.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall issue a permit if, after investigation, the Commission determines that issuing the permit would be best for the public welfare and convenience.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In determining whether to issue a permit, the Commission shall consider all relevant factors including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the number of taxicabs to be used;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the taxicab and other transportation services already available in the locality; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the rate to be charged.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If it appears that a taxicab company is making an effort to mislead the public by imitating the name, design, or distinctive combination of colors of any taxicab already approved by the Commission, the Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>reject the taxicab company’s application for a permit; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>revoke or suspend the taxicab company’s existing permit.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-204" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Each permit applies only to the particular taxicab designated in the permit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each permit is subject to the terms and conditions that the Commission establishes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall set a term of at least 1 year for each permit.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission may renew a permit in accordance with the standards set forth in § 10-203 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If sufficient cause is shown, the Commission may amend, suspend, or revoke a permit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-205" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A permit may not be assigned or transferred unless, after investigation, the Commission approves the assignment or transfer as best for the public welfare and convenience.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant for an assignment or transfer of a permit shall submit to the Commission a written application that sets forth the purpose, terms, and conditions of the proposed assignment or transfer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-206" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Each taxicab for which a permit is required shall have the word “taxicab” appear conspicuously on the taxicab.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>determine the form and style of a badge; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>issue to each licensed taxicab driver a badge with the taxicab driver’s license number on the badge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A licensed taxicab driver shall display the badge conspicuously in the interior of a taxicab whenever operating the taxicab.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-207" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A taxicab for which a permit is required may not be operated unless the permit holder:</text> <level label="1"> <text>obtains from an insurer authorized to transact business in the State, a liability insurance policy that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is approved by the Commission in all respects, including policy provisions, form, and amounts; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>insures the permit holder and taxicab driver against liability to a passenger or member of the public for property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from an accident in which the taxicab is involved; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>deposits with the Commission a bond with a casualty or surety company authorized to do business in the State that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is approved by the Commission in all respects, including provisions, form, surety, and amounts; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is made out to the State as obligee for the use and benefit of passengers and members of the public, and undertakes to indemnify passengers and members of the public against property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from an accident in which the taxicab is involved.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a cancellation or revocation of an insurance policy or bond that is required under subsection (a) of this section may not take effect until 45 days after the date the Commission receives written notice from the revoking party.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cancellation or revocation of an insurance policy or bond issued by the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund may not take effect until 30 days after the date the Commission receives written notice from the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At any time, if the Commission determines that the existing bond or insurance protection is inadequate, the Commission may require new or additional bond or insurance as a condition of operation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-208" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to other duties specifically imposed by this subtitle, while driving a taxicab, a taxicab driver:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall accept as passenger and convey where directed any orderly person, on request, unless previously engaged or unable or forbidden to do so by this section, other valid law, or regulation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>except when transferring a vehicle to or from repair facilities, have in the taxicab driver’s possession a manifest that contains:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the time and date issued, the expiration time, the taxicab driver’s name and badge number, and the taxicab number;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>space for meter readings and the calculation of driver income; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other information considered necessary by the Commission;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>shall report each change of residence within 72 hours to the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>shall answer promptly all communications and summonses received from the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>shall deliver all fares and all other legal charges received to the permit holder if working on a commission basis;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>may not operate a taxicab while the taxicab driver’s operator license or taxicab driver’s license is suspended;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>may not allow any other person to use the taxicab driver’s badge or identification card;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>may not allow any other person to drive the taxicab and return the taxicab to the permit holder’s garage on completion of the shift to which the taxicab driver was assigned;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>shall proceed with passengers to destination by the shortest practicable route;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>shall give a receipt for fares on request on an authorized form;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>may not operate a taxicab for more than 12 hours of any continuous 24-hour period;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>shall display in the interior of the taxicab at all times, while on duty, the identification card with photograph attached in the frame provided for the card and photograph; and</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>shall charge only the rate of fare or charge established by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>When assigned to a taxicab, the taxicab driver is responsible for ascertaining that the taxicab is in good working order.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A taxicab driver may not tamper with rate cards, the meter, meter light, cable, speedometer cable, or any other equipment that is required to be in the taxicab by law or that registers fares and charges.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-209" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A taxicab driver shall make maximum use of service communications with the driver’s switchboard operator or dispatcher in order to keep the driver’s taxicab available for response to calls.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A taxicab driver may not solicit the patronage of a person who is at the terminal of another common carrier or at an intermediate point along an established route of that carrier to use that common carrier’s service.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not prohibit or interfere with a response to a call for a taxicab whether the call is made by telephone or by signal from a pedestrian.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Taxicabs being operated in Baltimore City:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may transport a passenger from Baltimore City into Baltimore County and return to Baltimore County for the same passenger; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may not solicit a passenger within Baltimore County at any time.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This subtitle may not impede the operation of taxicabs between Baltimore City and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in the manner allowed by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A taxicab may not carry more than the number of passengers designated on the rate card.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A child in a passenger’s arms is not counted as a passenger.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Only one person may occupy the front seat with the driver.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A taxicab may be used from a railroad station or other public place of special assembly to serve jointly not more than four passengers who are bound for the same, or approximately the same, location.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A passenger who has engaged a taxicab may not be compelled to share the taxicab with another person.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A taxicab driver may not refuse service in order to group passengers more profitably.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if a taxicab is occupied by several passengers bound for different destinations, each passenger or party shall be charged the fare recorded on the meter at the time of arrival at the passenger’s or party’s destination.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A party or individual passenger may not be charged more than the fare applicable at the established rate for transportation over the shortest and most direct route.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A taxicab driver may not solicit another passenger while en route to the destination of passengers or parties initially occupying the cab.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A driver of a taxicab may not operate the taxicab:</text> <level label="1"> <text>recklessly;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in an unsafe manner; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>in disregard of the public general or local laws or municipal ordinances governing the operation of motor vehicles.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-210" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Taxicab Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A taxicab permit holder shall post in each of its taxicabs a schedule of its fares on a rate card.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rate card shall be printed and arranged in a way that allows a passenger to determine readily the exact fare payable by the passenger.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person may not collect a fare other than a fare appearing on or determinable from the rate card posted in the taxicab.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to a taxicab operating in the City of Hagerstown.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, while in service, each taxicab for which a permit is required shall be equipped with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an accurate taximeter that is properly installed and connected; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>another device the Commission approves for measuring the charges for service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A fixed charge may be made for any trip by taxicab between:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a point within the political subdivision in which the taxicab is normally operated and a point outside of the political subdivision;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland Port Administration’s cruise terminal facilities and:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fort McHenry;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Penn Station in Baltimore; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>points within Baltimore City, as approved by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A fixed charge shall be calculated on a mileage basis that the Commission approves.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-301" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>If a taxicab for which a permit is not required charges on the basis of a fixed charge made by zone, the extent of the zone shall be conspicuously expressed in mileage in the schedule required under § 10-210 of this title.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-401" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Insurance Commissioner” means the Insurance Commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Operator” means a transportation network operator, transportation network partner, or transportation network driver.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-402" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle applies to transportation network companies, operators, and transportation network services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent not otherwise covered in this subtitle, transportation network companies, operators, and transportation network services shall be subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any applicable provisions of this title and Title 9 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>regulations adopted by the Commission for the regulation of transportation network services.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-403" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations to ensure that transportation network companies and operators are making reasonable efforts to make transportation network services accessible to all people, including individuals with disabilities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The regulations adopted by the Commission under subsection (a) of this section shall provide for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the transportation of passengers with service animals;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the accessibility of websites and mobile applications used to provide transportation network services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the reasonable accommodations necessary to serve individuals with disabilities; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the provision of information to an operator by a transportation network company related to the requirements of federal and State laws related to antidiscrimination.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-403.1" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <text>A transportation network company may not operate in the State unless the Commission has issued a permit to the transportation network company.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-403.2" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A transportation network company shall provide each operator with a weekly fare and earnings summary that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the total fares collected by the transportation network company for the transportation network services provided by the company’s operators in a given week;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the total amount of any additional fees that were charged to passengers by the transportation network company for the transportation network services provided by the company’s operators in a given week;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the total amount the operator earned that week;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the total amount the operator earned from the total fares collected that week, expressed as a percentage of the total fares collected; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the total amount the operator earned from the additional fees specified in item (1) of this subsection that were collected that week, expressed as a percentage of the total additional fees charged.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A transportation network company may include in the weekly fare and earnings summary required under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any additional information the company considers appropriate; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>amounts earned by an operator other than amounts earned from providing transportation network services.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-404" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <text>An operator may not provide transportation network services unless the Commission has authorized the operator to operate on a provisional basis or has issued a valid temporary or permanent transportation network operator’s license to provide transportation network services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission may approve an applicant to be an operator and issue a temporary transportation network operator’s license to the applicant if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant provides all information that the Commission requires for the application, including the information specified in item (2) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Commission is satisfied with the successful submission of the applicant’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>national criminal history records check:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conducted by a consumer reporting agency as defined under § 14–1201 of the Commercial Law Article or a comparable entity approved by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that includes:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>a Multi–State Multi–Jurisdiction Criminal Records Database Search or a search of a similar nationwide database with validation;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>a search of the Sex Offender Registry; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>a search of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>driving record check that includes a driving history research report.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Commission may issue a permanent transportation network operator’s license to an applicant upon the submission of a satisfactory supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this title.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Before December 15, 2016, the Commission may not require an applicant for a permanent transportation network operator’s license to comply with subsection (c) of this section if a transportation network company for which the applicant will provide services, at the time it applies for a permit, provides to the Commission details of the process the transportation network company uses to collect, review, and submit the information specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A transportation network company may request that the Commission waive the requirement to comply with subsection (c) of this section and instead require compliance with subsection (b)(2) of this section for applicants and operators of the transportation network company.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On receipt of a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>determine whether the transportation network company’s process for complying with subsection (b)(2) of this section can be shown to be as comprehensive and accurate as complying with the supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>within 3 months after receiving the request, determine whether to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>grant the waiver;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>deny the waiver; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>approve an alternative process.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A transportation network company may submit the information under subsection (b) of this section on behalf of an operator.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an individual who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>submitted an application for a transportation network operator’s license on or before September 30, 2026; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>completed, between June 1, 2025, and November 30, 2026, a human trafficking awareness training that meets the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A transportation network company may not allow an applicant for a transportation network operator’s license or the holder of a temporary or permanent transportation network operator’s license to provide transportation network services using a digital network application unless the applicant or license holder, within 30 days after the applicant or license holder first provides a prearranged ride, has completed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Leaders Against Human Trafficking/Combating Human Trafficking in the Transportation Sector Awareness Training;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any nationally recognized human trafficking awareness training program; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any digital training developed by a transportation network company in consultation with a nationally recognized organization with expertise in human trafficking awareness training.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A human trafficking awareness training that an applicant or license holder completes under paragraph (2) of this subsection must include information on how to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>recognize potential victims of human trafficking;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>respond to an individual who may be or is a victim of human trafficking; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>report suspected incidents of human trafficking to appropriate authorities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An applicant for a transportation network operator’s license or the holder of a temporary or permanent transportation network operator’s license may not be held civilly or criminally liable for reporting or responding in good faith to a suspected incident of human trafficking.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations that provide a process that is as expeditious as possible and uses electronic means for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the submission of the information under subsection (b) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the issuance of a temporary or permanent transportation network operator’s license and alternative authority to operate on a provisional basis; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the renewal of a transportation network operator’s license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Records or information provided to the Commission by a transportation network company under this section or disclosed by the Commission under paragraph (2) of this subsection are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may not disclose records or information provided to the Commission under this section to any person unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the disclosure is made in accordance with § 10–119.3 of the Family Law Article; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the disclosure is to the Comptroller under § 10–406(g)(5) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On notice that a person is seeking records or information under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection, the Commission shall promptly notify the transportation network company before disclosing the records or information.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-405" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An operator, a transportation network company on behalf of the operator, or a combination of both shall maintain primary motor vehicle insurance, or other security under § 17–103(a)(3) of the Transportation Article, that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>recognizes that the operator is a transportation network operator or otherwise uses a motor vehicle to transport passengers for hire; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>covers the operator while the operator is providing transportation network services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The following motor vehicle insurance requirements shall apply while an operator is providing transportation network services:</text> <level label="1"> <text>security of at least:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>for the payment of claims for bodily injury or death arising from an accident, up to $50,000 for any one person and up to $100,000 for any two or more persons, in addition to interest and costs; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>for the payment of claims for property of others damaged or destroyed in an accident, up to $25,000, in addition to interest and costs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>uninsured motorist insurance coverage required under § 19–509 of the Insurance Article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>personal injury protection coverage required under § 19–505 of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The coverage requirements under this paragraph may be satisfied by motor vehicle insurance maintained by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an operator;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a transportation network company; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>both an operator and a transportation network company.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If insurance or other security is provided by both the transportation network company and the operator under subsection (a) of this section, the insurance maintained by the transportation network operator is primary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The insurance or other security maintained by a transportation network company shall provide the coverage required under subsection (a) of this section from the first dollar of a claim and provide for the duty to defend the claim in the event the insurance maintained by an operator under subsection (a) of this section has coverage that has been canceled or has lapsed or is otherwise not in force.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A transportation network company that procures insurance from an admitted insurer or a nonadmitted insurer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>verify that the coverage required under subsection (a) of this section is maintained at all times; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide to the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner, annually upon each renewal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a valid certificate of insurance coverage that meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section and that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>is prepared by the insurer;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>is signed by an officer of the insurer;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>is in a form acceptable to the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>states the name and home office address of the insurer providing coverage to the transportation network company;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>states the effective dates of the coverage;</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>states a general description of the coverage; and</text> </level> <level label="G"> <text>includes a certification of a policy provision that will notify the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner of any termination of coverage at least 60 days in advance of the effective date of the termination; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the underlying policy for the coverage required under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission may consult with the Insurance Commissioner concerning the provisions of the underlying policy provided to the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner under paragraph (1)(ii)2 of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Records provided to the Commission by a transportation network company under this section are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act or any other law.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission and the Insurance Commissioner may not disclose records or information provided to the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner under this section to any person unless the disclosure is required by subpoena or court order.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a subpoena or court order requires the Commission or the Insurance Commissioner to disclose information provided to the Commission or the Insurance Commissioner under this section, the Commission or the Insurance Commissioner, as appropriate, promptly shall notify the transportation network company before disclosing the information.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A transportation network company that maintains security under § 17–103 of the Transportation Article shall provide the Commission with evidence of the required security.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Subject to § 17–103(a) of the Transportation Article, insurance required under subsection (a) of this section shall be issued by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an insurer authorized to do business in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>solely with respect to insurance maintained by a transportation network company, an eligible surplus lines insurer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in accordance with the requirements of Title 3, Subtitle 3 of the Insurance Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>having an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A– or better.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Before an operator may accept a request for a ride made through the transportation network company’s digital network, the transportation network company shall disclose to the operator, in writing, the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the insurance coverage, including the types of coverage and the limits for each coverage, that the transportation network company provides while the operator is providing transportation network services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that the operator should contact the operator’s personal motor vehicle insurer or agent to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>advise the insurer or agent that the operator will be providing transportation network services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>determine the coverage, if any, that may be available from the operator’s personal motor vehicle policy; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>that, if the motor vehicle that the operator uses to provide transportation network services has a lien against it, using the motor vehicle for transportation network services without physical damage coverage may violate the terms of the contract with the lienholder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>If an accident occurs that involves a motor vehicle that is being used to provide transportation network services, the operator, on request of directly interested parties, including a motor vehicle insurer or an investigative law enforcement officer, shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide proof of insurance satisfying the requirements of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>disclose whether the accident occurred while the operator was providing transportation network services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a claim coverage investigation following a vehicular accident, a transportation network company and any insurer potentially providing coverage under this section shall cooperate to facilitate the exchange of information with directly involved parties and any insurer of an operator, if applicable, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the precise times that an operator was logged onto the transportation network company’s digital network:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in the 12–hour period immediately preceding the accident; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in the 12–hour period immediately following the accident; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a clear description of the coverage, exclusions, and limits provided under any motor vehicle insurance maintained under this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-406" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Assessment” means a charge imposed by a local jurisdiction on each transportation network service that includes a passenger trip during transportation network coverage period three as described in § 10–101(n)(1)(iii) of this title.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Exempt jurisdiction” means a county or municipal corporation that imposed a tax, fee, or charge on for–hire transportation services provided on a per ride or per passenger basis in that county or municipal corporation on or before January 1, 2015.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section does not limit the authority of an exempt jurisdiction to impose an assessment, a tax, a fee, or a charge on for–hire transportation services, including transportation network services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An exempt jurisdiction may not impose more than one assessment or similar charge on a transportation network service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a county or municipal corporation may impose an assessment under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except in an exempt jurisdiction, an assessment by a county or municipal corporation authorized by this section may not exceed 25 cents per trip.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e)(5) of this section, an assessment may not be imposed on a transportation network service by both a county and a municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If both a county and a municipal corporation impose an assessment on a transportation network service in accordance with subsection (e)(5) of this section, the sum of the assessments imposed by both jurisdictions may not exceed 25 cents per trip.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The revenue generated from an assessment authorized under this section shall be used for transportation purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to a county or municipal corporation that licensed or regulated taxicab services on or before January 1, 2015, either directly or through the Commission as provided in § 10–202 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A county, in accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, or a municipal corporation may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may impose an assessment on trips that originate in any area of the county; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may not impose an assessment in a municipal corporation that is authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a county or municipal corporation authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection has not authorized an assessment on trips that originate in the county or municipal corporation by July 1, 2016, the county or municipal corporation is subject to subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>If a county authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection plans to impose an assessment under this section, the county shall notify the municipal corporations in the county of the county’s intent to impose an assessment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a municipal corporation authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection plans to impose an assessment under this section, the municipal corporation shall notify the county of the municipal corporation’s intent to impose an assessment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to a county or municipal corporation that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is not authorized to impose an assessment under subsection (d) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>is authorized to impose an assessment under subsection (d) of this section; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has not authorized an assessment by July 1, 2016.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection and subsections (f) and (g) of this section, a county or municipal corporation may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a municipal corporation has priority over the county where the municipal corporation is located to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the county may not impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county has priority over a municipal corporation to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation, and the municipal corporation may not impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the county has authorized an assessment on trips that originate in the county under subsection (d) of this section by July 1, 2016; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the municipal corporation is not authorized to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A municipal corporation that is not authorized to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under subsection (d) of this section and that is located in a county that is authorized to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the county under subsection (d) of this section may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under this subsection after July 1, 2016, if the county has not authorized an assessment on trips that originate in the county by July 1, 2016.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Before a county may impose an assessment on trips that originate in a municipal corporation under this subsection, the county shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>notify the municipal corporation of the county’s intent to impose an assessment on transportation network services that originate in the municipal corporation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide the municipal corporation reasonable time to pass an ordinance authorizing the imposition of an assessment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Before a municipal corporation may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under this subsection, the municipal corporation shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>notify the county of the municipal corporation’s intent to impose an assessment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the county imposes an assessment, provide the county reasonable time to notify the Comptroller before the municipal corporation’s assessment becomes effective.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Notwithstanding paragraph (4) of this subsection and subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, both a county and a municipal corporation authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection may impose an assessment on a transportation network service if the county and the municipal corporation enter into an agreement:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to share revenues; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that specifies the allocation of the revenues.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county and a municipal corporation that enter into an agreement under this paragraph to impose an assessment on a transportation network service by both jurisdictions shall provide a copy of the agreement to the Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If both a county and a municipal corporation impose an assessment on a transportation network service under this paragraph, the sum of the assessments imposed by both jurisdictions may not exceed the amount under subsection (c)(3)(ii) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>At least 120 days before an assessment is to take effect, a county or municipal corporation that intends to impose an assessment shall notify the Comptroller:</text> <level label="i"> <text>of the amount of the assessment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>of the effective date of the assessment; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>that the notice required under subsection (e)(4) of this section was provided to the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A county or municipal corporation that imposes an assessment shall notify the Comptroller at least 120 days before any change in an assessment is to take effect:</text> <level label="i"> <text>of the amount of the new assessment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>of the effective date of the new assessment; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>that the notice required under subsection (e)(4) of this section was provided to the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection governs the collection, remittance, accounting, and use of revenues from assessments imposed by a county or municipal corporation under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A transportation network company shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>collect assessments on behalf of an operator who accepts a request for a ride made through the transportation network company’s digital network;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>collect any assessment, fee, charge, or tax imposed by an exempt jurisdiction on a transportation network service; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>submit to the Comptroller no later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, or as otherwise specified by the Comptroller in regulations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the assessments and other revenues collected by the transportation network company on behalf of the transportation network operators;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the allocation of the assessments and other revenues attributable to each county or municipal corporation that has imposed an assessment based on where the trip originated; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>under oath, a certification that it has submitted the correct amount of assessments and revenues.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, from the assessments and revenues imposed by counties and municipal corporations, the Comptroller shall distribute each quarter the amount necessary to administer the assessments to an administrative cost account.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount distributed to the administrative cost account may not exceed 5% of the revenue from the assessments and other revenue.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>After making the distribution required by paragraph (3) of this subsection, within 45 days of the end of each calendar quarter, the Comptroller shall distribute the remaining revenue to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the county or municipal corporation that is the source of the revenue; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at the discretion of the Comptroller, the county that is the source of the revenue for the county to distribute to the source of revenue in the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Commission shall disclose:</text> <level label="i"> <text>on the request of the Comptroller, records or information that relate to the collection, remittance, accounting of revenues from assessments, or the enforcement of the obligations under this section that are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provided to the Commission under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>created, issued, or maintained by the Commission in the course of administering this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>records or information required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The Comptroller may review or inspect each year, at a transportation network company’s place of business or a mutually agreed location, records necessary to ensure that the transportation network company has remitted to the Comptroller the correct revenues and allocations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nothing in this subparagraph is intended to limit the period covered by the Comptroller’s review or inspection, which may include more than 1 year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Records or information provided to the Comptroller by a transportation network company under this subsection are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Comptroller may not disclose records or information provided by a transportation network company unless the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>On notice that a person is seeking records or information under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the Comptroller shall promptly notify the transportation network company before disclosing the information.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Comptroller may disclose records or information provided by the Commission or a transportation network company to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Maryland Tax Court;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a legal representative of the State, to review the assessment information about a transportation network company:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>that applies for review under Title 13 under the Tax – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>that appeals from a determination under Title 13 of the Tax – General Article; or</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>against which an action to recover an assessment, an interest, or a penalty is pending or will be initiated under Title 13 of the Tax – General Article; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any license–issuing authority of the State required by State law to verify through the Comptroller that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>an applicant has paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>the applicant has provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the unit responsible for collection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <level label="1"> <text>Records or information disclosed under subparagraph (v)2 or 3 of this paragraph are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person that receives records or information under subparagraph (v)2 or 3 of this paragraph may not disclose the records or information unless the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On notice that a third party is seeking records or information under subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the person that receives records or information under subparagraph (v)2 or 3 of this paragraph shall promptly notify the transportation network company before disclosing the information.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>Except to the extent of any inconsistency with this section, the provisions of Title 13 of the Tax – General Article that apply to the sales and use tax shall govern the administration, collection, enforcement, and appeals of the revenues from assessments under this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The limitations governing the sales and use tax under § 13–1102 of the Tax – General Article apply to the assessments imposed under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Comptroller may adopt regulations or other requirements or procedures to carry out the provisions of this section, including requirements and procedures regarding the administration, collection, and enforcement of the assessment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Comptroller shall enforce this section and § 10–407 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-407" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Transportation Network Assessment Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Fund consists of assessment revenues submitted to the Comptroller from transportation network companies under § 10–406(g) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>receive assessment revenues submitted from transportation network companies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>disburse assessment revenues to the appropriate counties and municipalities in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Comptroller shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>deposit in the Fund assessment revenues received from transportation network companies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>disburse trip assessment revenues to the appropriate counties and municipalities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Treasurer is the custodian of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, and may not be deemed a part of the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No part of the Fund may revert or be credited to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the General Fund of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a special fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-408" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Shared passenger trip” means a prearranged ride for which the passenger agrees, at the time the passenger requests the ride through a transportation network company’s digital network application, to be transported with another passenger who has separately requested a prearranged ride regardless of whether another passenger is transported.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Transportation network company impact fee” means the fee imposed by the State under this section on each transportation network service that includes a passenger trip during transportation network coverage period three as described in § 10–101(n)(1)(iii) of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a transportation network company impact fee on passenger trips that originate in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A transportation network company shall collect the transportation network company impact fee.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection and except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, the transportation network company impact fee is 75 cents for each passenger trip.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, the transportation network company impact fee for a passenger trip provided using a fuel cell electric vehicle or a plug–in electric drive vehicle, as those terms are defined in Title 11, Subtitle 1 of the Transportation Article, is 50 cents for each passenger trip.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, the transportation network company impact fee is 50 cents for each shared passenger trip.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subparagraph, “Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers” means the index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor that is the U.S. city average of all items in a basket of consumer goods and services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The percentage growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers shall be determined by comparing the average of the index for the 12 months ending on the preceding April 30 to the average of the index for the prior 12 months.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The transportation network company impact fee shall be increased on July 1, 2028, and on July 1 each subsequent year in accordance with this paragraph.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>On or before June 1 each year, the Comptroller shall determine and announce:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers as determined by the Comptroller under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the transportation network company impact fee effective for the fiscal year beginning on the following July 1 as determined by the Comptroller under subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (v) of this paragraph, on July 1 each year, the transportation network company impact fee shall be increased by the amount, rounded to the nearest one–tenth of a cent, that equals the product of multiplying:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the transportation network company impact fee in effect on the date of the Comptroller’s announcement under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the percentage growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <level label="1"> <text>If there is a decline or no growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, the transportation network company impact fee shall remain unchanged.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any increase in the transportation network company impact fee under subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph may not be greater than 8% of the transportation network company impact fee effective in the previous year.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A transportation network company shall either:</text> <level label="i"> <text>collect the transportation network company impact fee from a passenger on behalf of a transportation network operator; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pay the transportation network company impact fee on behalf of a passenger.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a transportation network company collects the transportation network company impact fee from the passenger:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the transportation network company impact fee shall be charged in addition to any other tax or fee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the transportation network company shall show the impact fee as a separate line item on the passenger’s receipt, invoice, or other bill of sale, distinct from the transaction price and any other tax or fee imposed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The receipt, invoice, or other bill of sale shall list the impact fee as “Transportation Network Company Impact Fee”.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A transportation network company that pays the transportation network company impact fee on behalf of a passenger shall remit the fee to the Comptroller as if the fee had been collected from the passenger on the date of the passenger trip.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A transportation network company shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>report the transportation network company impact fee on a form prescribed by the Comptroller; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>remit the transportation network company impact fee to the Comptroller not later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, or as otherwise specified by the Comptroller in regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For the expense of reporting and remitting the transportation network company impact fee the transportation network company may retain the lesser of 0.9% of the amount the transportation network company remits under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection or $250.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, the audit, assessment, liability for payment, refund, penalty, interest, enforcement, collection remedies, appeal, and administrative provisions that are applicable to an assessment imposed under § 10–406 of this subtitle apply to the transportation network company impact fee.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>From the transportation network company impact fee revenue, the Comptroller shall distribute the amount necessary to pay refunds relating to the transportation network company impact fee to a refund account.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After making the distribution required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Comptroller shall distribute the amount necessary to administer the transportation network company impact fee to an administrative cost account.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After making the distributions required under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the Comptroller shall deposit the balance of the revenue from the transportation network company impact fee in the Transportation Network Company Impact Fee Account in the Transportation Trust Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Comptroller may adopt regulations or other requirements or procedures to carry out this section, including requirements and procedures regarding the administration, collection, and enforcement of the transportation network company impact fee.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>This section may not be construed to have any effect on an assessment imposed under § 10–406 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-409" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before February 1 each year, a transportation network company shall report to the Commission the following information in an aggregated format for the prior year:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the average fare collected from passengers in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the total time driven by operators while providing in–State transportation network services for the transportation network company; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the total amount earned by operators for providing in–State transportation network services for the transportation network company.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any information obtained by the Commission under this section that is not otherwise publicly available:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is considered:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a trade secret; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>confidential and proprietary information; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is not subject to disclosure under the Public Information Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The report required under subsection (a) of this section may be made available to the General Assembly on request, provided that the report remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-410" future_version_removed="true" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Transportation Network Company Services" /> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-501" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Prohibitions; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not transport, solicit for transport, or agree to transport any person or baggage in a motor vehicle for hire unless the operator of the motor vehicle is licensed by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who owns or is in charge of a motor vehicle may not allow the motor vehicle to be used in violation of this section, § 10–109, or § 10–209 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="10-502" title_number="10" title_name="For-Hire Driving Services" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Prohibitions; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not operate a vehicle that provides passenger–for–hire services in the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>unless the person is licensed as a passenger–for–hire driver by the Commission, including a person who is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Commission as a transportation network operator, transportation network partner, or transportation network driver; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in violation of this title or Title 9, Subtitle 2 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not operate a vehicle that provides taxicab services in the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>unless the person is licensed as a taxicab driver by the Commission or a county or municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that is under the jurisdiction of the Commission, in violation of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not operate a transportation network company in the State unless the person has been issued a permit as a transportation network company by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 3–102(c) of this article, the Commission may impose on a person who violates this section a civil penalty not exceeding $500 for each violation.</text> </level> </section>