# State Finance and Procurement (GSF)

## Title 5A. Division of Historical and Cultural Programs

### Subtitle 3

#### Section 5A-333

(a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Archaeology Office" means the Archaeology Office established under Sec. 5A-334 of this subtitle.

(c) "Associated funerary objects" means objects that are reasonably believed to have been placed with individual human remains as a part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture.

(d)

  (1) "Cave" has the meaning stated in Sec. 5-1401 of the Natural Resources Article.

  (2) "Cave" includes:

    (i) any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, cavern, sinkhole, grotto, rock shelter, or system of interconnecting passages beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge; and

    (ii) natural subsurface water and drainage systems.

(e) "Committee" means the Advisory Committee on Archaeology.

(f) "Human remains" means any part of the body of a deceased human being in any state of decomposition.

(g) "Native American" means an individual or a descendant of an individual who inhabited North America before European contact.

(h) "Submerged archaeological historic property" means any underwater structure, remains, or object that:

  (1) yields or is likely to yield information significant to the study of human prehistory, history, or culture; and

  (2)

    (i) is so embedded in underwater land that excavating tools are needed to move the bottom sediments to reach all or part of it and has remained unclaimed for at least 100 years; or

    (ii) is included or is eligible to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.

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Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)